“There is nothing sad about adoption – it is a wonderful journey. It is not an easy journey, but it will always be worth it. I already have biological children, but my late husband and I decided to adopt a child. I am already so blessed, and I wanted to share that blessing.”
This is the testimony of Ms. Violy, an adoptive parent in Eastern Visayas.
Recently, DSWD Eastern Visayas joined Ms. Violy and other adoptive parents in the region for a Support Group Meeting of Adoptive Parents. During the said meeting, adoptive parents encouraged each other through the sharing of their experiences with adoption. They shared how they decided to adopt, and their daily experiences in raising their adopted kids.
Aside from the parents, Ms. Jardine, herself an adoptee and an outspoken advocate for adoption, also shared her testimony, especially the importance of letting the child know that he/she is adopted.
DSWD Regional Director Grace Subong emphasized the importance of establishing a support group for adoptive parents. “Your stories are important. By hearing these, we learn how we can help you. We learn what policies we need to implement, what changes we need to make.”
DSWD further encourages would-be adoptive parents to follow the legal process for adoption. This is to ensure that the rights of both the adoptive parents and the adoptee are upheld and protected.
