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ILOILO City – Abandoned and neglected children need permanent homes, stressed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6.
For the first time, an association of adoptive parents was organized in Panay Island.
Called Panay Adoptive Parents Association (PAPA), the group is composed of couples and individuals who adopted abandoned children and relatives.
“We are very thankful that finally this group has surfaced. We believe this will be a big boost in our campaign for legal adoption,” said Rosario Sanagustin, head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Protective Services Unit (PSU).
The oath-taking ceremony of PAPA officers was held on Nov. 26, 2016.
“We need more families to be permanent homes for abandoned, neglected and dependent children,” said Sanagustin.
PAPA president Mark Cabag, who led the group with 30 members, said, “It is not okay that we have orphans and abandoned children. We urge more people to legally adopt children. There is no other way but to do it legally.”
He also discouraged the practice of birth simulation. This occurs when a childless couple comes into possession of a baby or child given to them by a midwife and/or an unwed mother or relative and this couple then applies for a birth certificate, making it appear that the baby is their biological child.
“Simulation can cause a serious problem. It could mean a lifetime problem. It can be a headache,” Cabag said.
DSWD Region 6 director Rebecca Geamala commended the group.
“We congratulate all of you for organizing this group. This is a first for us. Your role is very important in the future of children,” said Geamala.
She added: “Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the imprisoned and adopting children are all commendable work. As adoptive parents, your role is important in the future of children. You are a group that is part in eradicating menace in the society.”
Geamala reminded the group of their responsibilities as adoptive parents.
“The father should be the provider of the family. The mother should be the heart of the home, the beauty of the home and the first teacher for the children,” she said.
The officers of PAPA are:
* President – Mark Cabag
* Vice President – Anthony Laruan
* Secretary – Annalie Gilongos
* Assistant Secretary – Jeneffe Torda
* Treasurer – Merlita Navio
* Assistant Secretary – Lilibeth Olivares
* Press Relations Officer – Rodina Mondragon
* Adviser – Yolanda Gavino
* Committee head for Advocacy – Reinalyn Cabag
* Committee head for Support – Tara Dela Cruz
* Committee head for Membership –Jeannette Simpas. (May Rago-Castillo, DSWD-6/PN)
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