Adoption can bring love into a home

The adopted child has always been looked down upon, maltreated, picked on. This has always been true in many TV shows. These programs usually depict these children crouched in a corner, crying in the dark.  

It is easy to feel sorry for the adopted child because of the stereotype image that has been painted of him. But what people don’t realize is that this irresponsible representation of him puts a stigma on adoption and discourages so many would-be parents from opening their homes to some of the thousands of Filipino children in orphanages and child-caring agencies.

 

“I Love You, Anak”

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB) have opened “Love Sees Beyond Differences,” an advocacy campaign to spread a more positive outlook on adoption in partnership with the McCann World Group. Ultimately, it will bring more adoptive kids into the homes of Filipinos.  

The campaign started last November 29, 2012 with the launch of the song “I Love You, Anak.” It's a song that sends a positive message about adoption and the relationship between parents and their adoptive children. Actor and singer Ogie Alcasid, himself an adoption advocate, gave life to the song and presented it to an enthusiastic audience during the launch.  

Many adoptive parents like Jojo and Janet Villa, Peter and Darlene Skopakow, Craig and Michelle Logan, and Sen. Pia Cayetano, love their adopted children like they are their own biological offsprings.  

Senator Cayetano adopted Lucas around nine years after her youngest child passed away. She admits that Lucas has brought so much joy into her home and filled her life with happiness.  

Meanwhile Janet Villa, wife of basketball coach Jojo Villa, adopted Anna in 2010. The little girl is now three years old. Aside from Janet, Anna calls three other women Mama: two of their helpers and her second mother Mama Gay.  

Janet said, “I want Anna to realize how many mothers love and care for her.”  

Michelle and Craig Logan are among the many foreign parents who have adopted Filipino children. They have Justin and Ashlyn. The couple admits that “the first step is always the hardest, not knowing what you may be doing.” But Craig said, “We are always encouraging others who have the desire in their hearts to go ahead and adopt, and take that first step.”

Peter and Darlene Skopakow have heard from friends that the Philippines has one of the best legal adoption processes in Asia. “Mary Jane is our second adopted child,” Peter says, “We have had Mark, our first adopted son, since April 2005 and he has brought so much love to our home, which is why we considered a second adoption.”  

Support for adoptive families  

Adoptive Families Foundation, Inc. is an organization that helps adoptive families during and after the process of adoption. Its President, John Boren, explains that while adoption takes time and some amount of money, the fruits and rewards are limitless. “We sponsor forums on the legal, social and psychological issues related to adoption. But above all, we want families to openly share their stories so more families will be inspired to adopt,” Boren says.  

The Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB) created by Republic Act 8043 was designated as the Central Authority in matters relating to inter-country adoption of Filipino children. It directly works with 105 international partners, communities and organizations, and 99 local child-caring agencies. ICAB’s mission is to place Filipino children with suitable foreign adoptive families abroad and ensure the protection, security, and the best interest of these children.  

It is much better, and more sensible, to portray the adopted child as part of a loving family and a responsible member of the community. In reality, when a family opens their home to an adoptive child, it is taking the opportunity to raise a productive Filipino, to love a young child, and to receive joy into their lives.--KDM/HS, GMA News