Photo 1: Taguig City 2nd District Representative Pia Cayetano delivers her keynote speech at the 14th Philippine Global Consultation on Child Welfare Services. Photo 2: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary for Special Concerns Virginia Orogo (left) and Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB) Board Member Atty. Maria Gabriela Concepcion (right) present a token of appreciation for Rep. Cayetano after her speech.

As the lead agency upholding the rights of children especially those who have been abandoned, neglected and surrendered, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) together with the Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB) and the Association of Child Caring Agencies of the Philippines (ACCAP) organized the 14th Philippine Global Consultation on Child Welfare Services in Manila Hotel from September 6-8, 2017.

The global consultation which takes place every other year serves a venue for central authorities, foreign and local adoption agencies, embassy partners, and international and local children and adoption advocates and specialists to discuss concerns and issues affecting the placement and adoption of Filipino children.

With the theme “Prevention of Illegal Adoptions and Disruptions,” the global forum this year focuses on the protection of children against illicit adoption and disrupted placements. It also aims to strengthen the coordination between  the Philippines and receiving countries to ensure the best interest of children for adoption.

“An important objectives of this global consultation is to develop and maintain ethical inter-country adoption practices emphasized by the shared responsibilities of all stakeholders. It is important to recognize and widen awareness of illegal adoption which regrettably still exist up to the present,” said DSWD Undersecretary for Special Concerns and ICAB Alternate Chairperson Virginia Orogo during her welcome remarks.

“It is imperative that the placement of the child with an adoptive family will result in a harmonious and permanent parent-child relationship and not a disruption. Disruption takes a heavy toll on the child and the adoptive family, so adoption disruptions should be prevented as much as possible,” she added.

She also said that the DSWD will continue to enhance its partnerships with concerned local and international partner agencies.

“The DSWD continues to improve its systems and procedures so that no child shall fall victim of illegal adoption and to ensure that the best interest of the child is served. This can be made possible through the unwavering commitment and dedication of social workers, as well as our partnerships with agencies,” she said.

Also present as keynote speaker was Taguig City 2nd District Representative Pia Cayetano who gave an inspiring message about her son’s adoption story and how she plans to make Taguig City a model city for foster care and adoption.

“The objective really here is to make people understand that the best solution we have is to open up our homes to foster care and adoption,” Rep. Cayetano emphasized.

Lastly, through the three-day consultation, the DSWD expects that a stronger, more effective and improved process on the placement of Filipino children will push through to prevent illegal adoption and disruption cases. ###