The whole nation celebrated the annual Adoption Consciousness last 11 February 2017 until 18 February 2017. This activity was anchored from this year’s theme: “Pagmamahal Palaganapin, Legal na Pag-aampon Ating Gawin” (Spread Unconditional Love through Legal Adoption) and was spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Central Office (DSWD- CO) under Protective Services Bureau (PSB) Unit headed by Director Ma. Alicia Bonoan.

Series of meetings were conducted by DSWD-CO in cooperation with DSWD Regional Offices and their partner government offices and non-government organizations. Partner Child-Caring Agencies and Child-Placing Agencies in the Regions NCR, III, IV-A, and IV-B are also included. Likewise, in-depth preparations were done including:

  • Kick-off Party (Walk for Legal Adoption)
  • Press Conference
  • Adoption Forum and Signing Ceremony of Recommitment of MOA of DSWD and DILG
  • Adoption Help Desks at SM Malls and some government offices

To spread information on helping children who are in need by showing them love and the true meaning of family through the process of adoption was the main purpose of this activity. According to Republic Act 8552 which was passed into law on 25 February 1998, or the ‘Domestic Adoption Act,’ adoption is a socio-legal process of providing permanent family to a child whose parents have voluntarily or involuntarily given up their parental rights. Through this, it gives the adoptive child the same rights, status and privileges as those of the birth child.

NORFIL Staff with Executive Director herself, Ms. Ma Teresa R. Nuqui, and NORFIL Adoptive Parents (NAP) members headed by the NAP President Mr. Alvi Siongco, actively participated in the celebration.  Wearing their own-printed adoption t-shirts, they joined the Walk for Legal Adoption, one of the activities of the Kick-Off Party, held at Quezon City Memorial Circle. Inspiring messages by some of the heads from the agencies were delivered.  Stories of testimonies were also given by the invited families to give their personal experiences regarding adoption.

It was a day of fun, acceptance, realization and information coming from the families who shared their blessings by giving love, care and support to their adopted children. From the start that they chose adoption, many children were given a chance to have and be part of a loving permanent family, where their needs are being met.  Some people might have not fully understand the beauty of adoption, but for these couples who are waiting to have children on their own are very much happy and fulfilled to complete the family they have been longing for.

Let’s continue to support the advocacy of NORFIL’s Domestic Adoption Program in giving the abandoned, neglected and surrendered children with forever families.