The DSWD Field Office VIII headed by Regional Director Restituto Macuto will pursue a more rigorous campaign on Legal Adoption this year.  Macuto pointed out that Legal Adoption is the only way to ensure that the rights of children are protected, and that these abandoned/neglected/orphaned children will have secure and loving families.

In the month that passed, the nation celebrated the National Adoption Consciousness Week, with the DSWD spearheading.  It has for this year’s theme – “Pagmamahal Palaganapin, Legal na Pag – aampon ating Gawin!” (“Spread Unconditional Love through Legal Adoption!).

Last year, the DSWD VIII reported that there were 29 cases of children placed out to 26 adoptive families child Adoption – 29 children were placed out to 26 adoptive families within the year. Two children were placed out through inter-country adoption and 27 children, local adoption.

Meanwhile, court judges, court workers, local social workers and other key partners on Adoption of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar finally realized that the process of the service is not so easy.

It takes time, especially if the child is abandoned, as there is a need for would – be couples to exert all efforts as to really prove that the child is really unwanted.

These efforts include publication of the identity of the child to seek the former’s biological parents, and filing with the DSWD an application for a CERTIFICATION DECLARING that a CHILD IS LEGALLY AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION (CDCLAA).

Originally, this was judicial in nature; now, it is the DSWD administering it.

One of the important points the participants were made to understand was that if the child is a foundling, it should be registered with the local civil registrar as a foundling.

Private practitioner, Louis Sudario, who is also a member of the DSWD’s Child Welfare Specialist Group, emphasized that Domestic Adoption is preferred, if possible, over that of Inter-Country Adoption, for the child to stay in our country and thus, to preserve our culture.

However, he pointed out that in case of inter-country adoption, the prospective adoptive couple should come from a country which the Philippines has diplomatic relations.

Meanwhile, Policy and Plans Division Chief, Yvonne Abonales of the DSWD Field Office said that in availing the Adoption Service, the genuine love and interest of the new parents should reign.

The one-day orientation was held lately at the Ciriaco Hotel, Calbayog City.# #DSWDMayMalasakit