CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Luzon, together with its partner agencies led the observance of this year’s Adoption Consciousness Week from February 8-12.
DSWD Regional Director Marites Maristela stressed that this year’s celebration, which bears the theme “Pagmamahal Palaganapin. Legal na Pag-aampon Ating Gawin (Spread Unconditional Love through Legal Adoption)” aims to promote legal adoption as an expression of unconditional love and support to abandoned, neglected, and surrendered children.
“Our theme for this year encourages families to undergo legal adoption in order to protect the welfare of adopted children. The legal adoption process will also ensure the safety, security, and best interest of the adoptive children,” Maristela said.
Meanwhile, the director reminds the public that adoption facilitated online is considered child trafficking.
“We appeal to everyone to help stop online adoption by reporting to the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection at mobile number 0917-7777-377 or PNP Anti Cybercrime Group at 0927-0843-792,” she said.
Other national government agencies and stakeholders, on the other hand, are encouraged to o join the celebration and promote the legal adoption advocacy in social media through the hashtags, #adoptionislove and #legaladoption.
Said celebration will be the sixth time that DSWD observes this celebration as an inter-agency event.