To ensure that the statutory programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Field Office Caraga conducted its annual Consultation Dialogue with Regional Trial Court Judges, Clerks of Courts, and Integrated Bar of the Philippines representatives on October 18, 2019 at Almont Hotel Inland Resort, Butuan City.
The objective of the said activity is to ensure common knowledge, understanding and to resolve issues, concerns, of the provisions under Republic Act 9523 (An act requiring the certification of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to declare a “Child Legally Available for Adoption Proceedings”..), and other related issuances among service providers of alternative family care (Adoption/Foster Care).
Several updates were presented to ensure that the agency and the participants are on the same page on the statutory programs of DSWD. Ms. Irish M. Opeña, OIC-Division Chief of Program Management Bureau (PMB) – ARRD from the DSWD Central Office presented updates on RA 11222 or Simulated Birth Rectification Act, while Ms. Maria Charisma Cid, Social Welfare Officer III from the PMB-ARRD, discussed about Child Care and Placement.
Additional topics about the updates on Inter-Country Adoption was also discussed by Atty. Bernadette Abejo, executive director of Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB). She elaborated the pros and cons of inter-country or even inter-city adoption specially on relative adoption.
The participants, both from the agency and those from the courts were given an opportunity to discuss and tackle unique or controversial Inter-Country Adoption cases, to provide a venue for discussion. Wilma Naviamos, Director of the Program Management Bureau from the DSWD Central Office, responded on the queries of the participants and gave suggestions and clarifications on certain issues raised by the participants.
The consultation dialogue made way for an easier and clearer proceedings on handling cases involving children in conflict with law, adoption, and foster care.#
