MANILA, Philippines (PNA) — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Juliano-Soliman on Wednesday urged members of the House of Congress to prioritize the immediate passage of the Foster Care Bill.

Soliman said that the enactment of Senate Bill 680 and House Bill 1079 will enable the government to provide temporary care for children who cannot live with their own parents because of neglect, abuse or a family crisis.

"The proposed legislative measure ... is in support to the DSWD policy on de-institutionalization of children, wherein immediate transfer of children from institutions to alternative family or independent living is encouraged," she stressed.

The DSWD chief added that foster care is a very nurturing alternative parental care for abandoned, neglected, orphaned children and other children with special needs.

Soliman said the measure provides assistance and tax incentives to foster parents, child caring agencies, and donor institutions.

Under this bill, foster parents will be provided through any, but not limited to the following support care services: counseling, training on child care and development, respite care, skills training and livelihood assistance.

In addition, foster parents may be entitled to personal tax exemption and additional exemption for dependents.

The bill also states that a non-governmental organization (NGO) accredited by the DSWD shall be exempted from paying income tax on the income derived by it as an organization under the provision of Section 30 of the Tax Code of the Philippines.

Qualified NGOs may likewise apply as a donee institution that will entitle them to receive donations.

The DSWD said it has served some 749 abandoned and neglected children in the second semester of 2010 alone from the 11 Reception and Study Centers for Children nationwide.