Adoption in the Philippines: Love Sees Beyond Differences

The advocation panel with the adoptive families; (from left to right) McCann Worldgroup Managing Partner Cecile Gabutina-Velez, Michelle Logan, Craig Logan, Jojo Villa, Janet Villa, Sen. Pia Cayetano, DSWD Undersecretary Parisya Taradji, Ogie Alcasid, ICAB Board Member Rafael Tinio, Jenny Paraiso, AFF President John Boren, and Butch Albert.

Mommy Mundo values motherhood above all else and with this comes the respect for all children may they be from the womb and/ or from the heart. It gives us much pleasure in sharing the news that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Inter-country Adoption Board (ICAB) and McCann Philippines has launched their Advocacy Campaign entitled “Love Sees Beyond Differences” with the song “I Love You Anak” sung by award-winning singer and songwriter, OgieAlcasid, to soften the stigma on adoption. DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman shares that “There are so many children in orphanages and other child-caring agencies waiting to be adopted. But families hold back on adoption because of its stigma.”

According to DSWD, from January to November 15, 2012, a total of 457 cases of children were issued with certificate of a child legally available for adoption (CCLAA). RA 9523 requires a certification of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to declare a “child legally available for adoption” as a prerequisite for adoption proceedings. From 457 cases issued with CCLAA, 24 cases were matched to local families. Another 38 cases matched to local families whose CCLAA were issued in previous years. A total of only 62 cases were matched to local families from January to November 15, 2012.

The Adoption Process

Adoption is not easy but it is possible. John Boren, President of Adoptive Families Foundation, Inc., explains that while adoption takes time and some amount of money, the fruits and rewards are limitless. “Our organization helps adoptive families during and after the process of adoption. We sponsor forums on the legal, social and psychological issues related to adoption. But above all, we want families to openly share their stories so more families will be inspired to adopt.” Keeping adoption hidden from both the adopted child and family and friends, results in adoptive families living a lie. Because of this, there are adoptive parents who carry unnecessary psychological baggage.

Mommy Mundo on Love Sees Beyond Differences” campaign

It’s great to know that we have these kind-hearted organizations promoting adoption because essentially its all about the wellbeing of all children and believe in the love of family… And since that is what we care for too- Mommy Mundo supports the “Love Sees Beyond Differences” campaign! We hope that you can also consider adoption and be supportive of your friends thinking about it.

Adoption is about letting love be your eyes and looking past the differences. 🙂

The following companies have also partnered with McCann in support of this advocacy campaign, namely: Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC) for allowing the organizers to use the 28th Terra Park in BGC for the upcoming on-ground family picnic event; Just Add Water (JAW) for managing the audio and video production of this campaign; LoudBox Studios for the musical arrangement and recording of “I love you anak” song sung by OgieAlcasid; Informer Media for the video production and volunteer students from the Communication Arts Department of UST.