DSWD-7 Culminates Adoption Consciousness Celeb

Three competition categories that aim to further advocate legal adoption culminated the 2019 Adoption Consciousness Celebration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 7 on March 4, 2019 at SM City Cebu.

The activity was participated in by different Child Caring Agencies, Local Government Unit of Cebu, Central Visayas Adoptive Parents Association (CVAPA), University of the Visayas, St. Theresa’s College, and other non-government organizations (NGOs) and participating individuals.

Prior to the culmination, a Walk for Legal Adoption was done simultaneously in the four provinces of Region 7 on Feb. 26, 2019 to kick off the annual celebration of Adoption Consciousness, bearing the theme “Pagmamahal Palaganapin, Legal na Pag-aampon Ating Gawin! (Spread Unconditional Love through Legal Adoption!) ”

This annual celebration intends to address the stigma of adoption in the community and strengthen DSWD’s campaign for legal adoption.

DSWD-7 Assistant Regional Director for Administration Grace Q. Subong in her opening remarks encouraged everyone to join the call of spreading love through legal adoption.

“Putting a child in a family is not only the responsibility of DSWD. You are part of this cause,” said Subong.

A representative of one of the partners of DSWD-7 also expressed her gratitude for getting a chance to work with the department in consistently upholding this advocacy concerning the welfare of the vulnerable, neglected, and abandoned children.

“Raising children is no easy task. Some of the social workers and foster parents really know this. Blood, sweat, and tears altogether occur. But it’s all worth it. That is why I am very grateful to be working with the wonderful people of DSWD and my fellow CWSG (Child Welfare Specialist Group),” expressed Atty. Darling Chyrmyth Wagas.

Wagas added, “We can all make a difference. It is my firm belief that the DSWD together with its partners will service through this challenge and see a silver lining, feeling confidently beautiful because of the spirit of care that guides us.”

The Pop Dance Competition, “Give It Your Best Shot!” Photo Contest, and the “Duyog sa Paghigugma”Songwriting Contest, highlighted the event.

The three winning groups of the Pop Dance Competition that grooved their best onstage are the Children’s Shelter of Cebu, Inc., third place; Children of Cebu Foundation Inc., second place; and the Albert Schweitzer Familienwerk Foundation Inc., first place.

Christian Santarita and Aubrey Lynn Soliano got the 3rd place with their original composition entitled “Treat Them as Your Own”.

Also, the students of St. Theresa’s College, namely, Johana Alexis Maloloy-on, Jericho Radaza, Fiona Grace Rago, Mikaela Jacy Rebaño and Denise Makatangay who performed the piece “Kaulayaw” bagged second place, while the duo Regil Gador and Gabriel Bernil who delivered an original piece entitled “Paglaom sa Pag-ampon” won first place.

For the Photo Contest, third place was awarded to the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Cebu with their entry entitled “Spreading Love Beyond Boundaries,” the second place went to the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP) with their entry “Love Makes a Family”, and the first place went to the Office of the Regional Director’s (ORD) with the entry entitled “Overjoyed.”

The winners of each category were awarded with recognition certificates and cash prizes, while the non-winners received certificates of appreciation and consolation prizes.

Through these activities, DSWD is hopeful to increase public awareness about the beauty of legal adoption.

It continues to encourage interested couples willing to provide a nurturing environment and home to abandoned and neglected children to visit the field office and undergo the legal process of adoption. (jsme/PIA7-Cebu/DSWD-7)