ADVANCING LEGAL ADOPTION. DSWD worker Lealyn M. Amador and daughter Blaire Justice M. Amador share their beautiful and poignant experiences as adoptive mother and adoptive daughter during the 2^nd Annual Convention of Adoptive Families at Harana on Saturday. Blaire was one year old and three months when Lealyn and husband Richard adopted her. Blaire turned 18 last October and is now BSBA sophomore majoring in Human Resource Development Management at San Pedro College.

Lealyn related how she and her husband really ensured to legalize the adoption of Blaire and how they treat Blaire as their natural child. Blaire also emphasized she did not feel any discrimination as she was truly taken care and loved not only by her parents but by her parents’ relatives, friends and officemates as well. Some 200 participants arrived for the convention with the theme Legal na Ampon Ako, Anak na Totoo.

In her message, Regional Director Priscilla N. Razon of DSWD lauded the positive response and commitment of adoptive families who are willing to share their home and genuine affection with children who are homeless and abandoned. “Your kind gesture and initiative and most importantly, your responsible parenting would surely make a big difference in our children’s future. Thank you for sharing your blessings and for legalizing the adoption of your child. We hope more families would visit DSWD and join your ranks.”

Earlier, an Adoption Forum was held at DSWD and attended by Barangay Health Workers, Owners/Operators/Administrators of Hospitals and Maternity Clinics, Court Social Workers, and Prospective Adoptive Parents. At SM City Davao Ecoland and SM Lanang, Adoption Inquiry Desks were set up over the weekend  to provide detailed information on the Legal Adoption Procedure. DSWD