Adoption Facts

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 62 cases were matched to local families from January to November 15, 2012. But more than the facts, I guess, we can't really measure the emotional joy or anticipation that Filipino adoptive kids have in their hearts as they wait for families to open their hearts and homes to them. Sec. Dinky Soliman says, “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.” If you want to share love this Christmas, just call KBF at 9121160 / 9121159 and their team will be more than willing to help you through the adoption process. It is really worth every minute and peso spent for opening up our homes to adoptive children.

Photo shows DSWD Usec Parisya Taradji explaining to print and broadcast media the important message to reduce the stigma of adoption.

The story of Justin and Ashlyn

Through our own journey in this advocacy campaign, it is very inspiring to meet other adoptive families and hear their own stories. As fellow adoptive parents, I see and learn many similarities and differences in our journey. Meeting Craig and Michelle and their adoptive children, Justin and Ashlyn, is a blessing that we would like to share in this blog. The Craigs are among the many foreigners who have adopted Filipino children. They have lived in the Philippines for nearly 24 years. They first learned about KBF through Chosen Children, an orphanage for special children. They adopted their first child named Justin.

“Our first response was pure joy in our hearts when we heard that we had been matched with a child. We wanted to jump in the car and drive the 5 hours to meet our precious little one right then and there. Of course, we followed procedure but the excitement grew by the day!” says Michelle. Recently, Ashlyn, 2-year old girl joined their family. “We are always encouraging others that have a desire in their hearts to adopt to go ahead and take that first step. The first step is always the hardest, not knowing what you may be doing. Once we contacted KBF, we were encouraged as they led us through each step and informed us what would be next” adds Craig.

Ogie shares his voice to Adoption

I have never really met Ogie Alcasid before. I only see him on TV as sometimes, Cecile and I would watch "Bubble Gang" on Friday nights. Then, a few days ago, we finally met at Loud Box Recording studio, where, together with the McCann Philippines team led by my wife, Cecile and my Comm Arts thesis team led by Rachel Ching attended the recording session of the adoption song, "I Love You Anak."

“I love you anak” sung by award-winning artist Ogie Alcasid, hopes to change the mindset of many Filipinos about adoption and encourage families to open their homes to adoptive children. Ogie prides himself as being a family man. He is married to Regine Velasquez, with whom he has a son, named, Nathaniel James. Down the road, we envision Filipino musicians and talents, from various genre, whether pop, rock or jazz, to all get-together with adoptive and their kids to sing many songs about adoption! Would that collaborative work be a beautiful and meaningful experience? Together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Inter-country Adoption Board (ICAB) and McCann Philippines, and all its partners and friends from Center for Family Ministries, Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, Dominguez Marketing Communications, Adoptive Families Foundation and others, this Advocacy Campaign on Adoption entitled, “Love Sees Beyond Differences” will go further that anyone really expects. Like what Ogie said during the media launch,"I'm glad that they've used music as a start, as a kick off for the campaign because music is very powerful. We always say that music is the language of the soul.”

Yes, this campaign has soul!