DSWD and ICAB Launch “Love Sees Beyond Differences” An Adoption Advocacy Campaign

 The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Inter-country Adoption Board (ICAB) and McCann Erickson launched Thursday their Advocacy Campaign on Adoption entitled, “Love Sees beyond Differences” yesterday, Nov. 29, 2012 at the Active Fun Bldg., BGC.Peter and Darlene Skopakow, have Mary Jane in their life just recently, they already have Mark but they wanted to spread their love to this two beautiful children. Peter is not on the photo since he is so busy taking care of the kids.

I always saw the Craigs during fun run, and with them is Justin, a child with special need. I never thought that Justin is their first adopted child and they did not stop with Justin, now they have Ashlyn, who turned 2. They will always remembered how these blessings came to them.

Jojo and Janet Villa , adopted Anna in 2010, shared how happy they were that they opt to adopt even though they are physically healthy .

Peter and Darlene Skopakow, have Mary Jane in their life just recently, they already have Mark but they wanted to spread their love to this two beautiful children. Peter is not on the photo since he is so busy taking care of the kids.

Through music, specifically, the song, “I love you anak” sung by award-winning artist Ogie Alcasid, the advocacy hopes to change the mindset of many Filipinos about adoption and encourage families to open their homes to adoptive children

This advocacy communications campaign seeks to soften the stigma on adoption. It is an advocacy of the heart. I was so touched as to how some people could be selfless when it comes to giving a home and love to somebody whom need be related to you by blood. As the press conference goes by, I finally realized that adopting a child is a gift, for you will receive a blessing in your home. Everybody is entitled to be loved and be loved without the boundaries, beyond differences.

According to DSWD, from January to November 15, 2012, a total of 457 cases of children were issued with certificate of a child legally available for adoption (CCLAA). RA 9523 requires a certification of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to declare a “child legally available for adoption” as a prerequisite for adoption proceedings. From 457 cases issued with CCLAA, 24 cases were matched to local families. Another 38 cases matched to local families whose CCLAA were issued in previous years. A total of 62 cases were matched to local families from January to November 15, 2012.

The following companies have partnered with McCann in support of this advocacy campaign, namely: Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC) for allowing the organizers to use the 28^th Terra Park in BGC for the upcoming on-ground family picnic event; Just Add Water (JAW) for managing the audio and video production of this campaign; LoudBox Studios for the musical arrangement and recording of  “I love you anak” song sung by Ogie Alcasid; Informer Media for the video production and volunteer students from the Communication Arts Department of UST.