BUTUAN CITY – “Love sees beyond differences.”

This is the theme of the Adoption Consciousness Week celebration spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on February 18-24, 2013.

Director Minda B. Brigoli of DSWD Caraga said this year’s theme of the nationwide celebration gives emphasis on the unconditional love of adoptive parents for their adopted children whatever biological differences they have.

To highlight the celebration and for its continuous advocacy on adoption, the DSWD Field Office Caraga conducted several activities region wide such as the joint orientation on adoption and anti-pornography, adoption forums, radio guestings, press conference and setting-up of adoption help desks. The adoption help desks provide an opportunity for prospective adoptive parents to clarify matters on adoption.

In 2012, the DSWD Caraga’s Adoption Resource and Referral Section (ARRS) received 50 applications from prospective adoptive parents. Out of this number, 45 are still on process; five (5) were already issued court decrees and placed permanently with the adoptive parents.

The issuance of Proclamation No. 72 dated February 3, 1999 mandates the observance of Adoption Consciousness Day on the first Saturday of February.  However, the National Organizing Committee chaired by the DSWD agreed to celebrate the event on the third week of February to give ample time to advocate issues on adoption. ### (Social Marketing Unit)