Many of us are shocked to see street children and know that many children are in need of good homes in the Philippines. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) works very closely with accredited childcare organisation to help these children, their social workers are over worked and they are under resourced for such a large problem.
On the evening of June 11th 2008, about 85 interested individuals and/or involved agencies attended a very informative Adoption Awareness Evening under the auspices of the, British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (BCCP), British Women's Association, the Lighthouse Club, and the American Women's Club of the Philippines, massively supported by the DSWD to address the problem and promote Adoption through the correct legal channels.
The evening was started by a brief welcoming introduction to all from Craig Burrows MBE, Master of Ceremonies for the evening and Director of two Foundations www.asct.org.uk and www.kalinga.nl. He introduced the first speaker, Secretary Cabral from the DSWD who gave opening remarks and introduced the Social Worker Ms. Glenda M. Derla, who had not been expecting to speak but due to certain circumstances filled in at the last moment. She was truly motivational as she gave a rundown of the general adoption process. Following this was a detailed presentation from Attorney Jay Rashid B. Ugalingan on the legal side of the adoption or fostering processes. He was followed by Mike Whiting's moving story of his wife Sheila and his adoption of their lovely daughter Francine, who stole the evening by being such wonderful proof of how adoption can be so successful and life changing.
Craig Burrows, also BCCP Director for Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility, strongly recommended all to consider adopting to help one, or a few, of the thousands of children deprived of a family life in the Philippines. He strongly recommended Atty. Jay Ugalingan as an attorney who is excellent for adoptions and other legal matters and who may be contacted at 02-893-4796 (Tel) or 0922-489-1445/0918-901-8252 (mobiles) or jayugalingan@yahoo.com
Special thanks have to go to Frank Grassman of the Dusit Thani Hotel who provided top service at a discounted price as part of the Hotel’s Social Responsibility and to Sarah McLeod for her organisation.
The main point of the night was that much need exists; children are available for adoption into good and loving homes, why not consider doing it the right way and contacting the DSWD National Capital Region (NCR) - Adoption Resource and Referral Unit at Corner San Rafael Legarda St., Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines, with telephone numbers 7348622, 734-8623, 488-2754, 488-3199 or arru_ncr@yahoo.com . Do not be tempted to cut corners as this is not beneficial for the children and is illegal. Let us stop moaning about the street children and make a difference, contact the DSWD now or donate to them or an accredited agency, together we can change lives.