Occidental, Mindoro – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region IV – MiMaRoPa led recently the Lakad Para sa Pag-aampon ng Bata, a fun walk promoting awareness on legal adoption in San Jose, last March 25, 2014.

Various stakeholders including the Philippine National Police (PNP), Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) from different municipalities of Occidental Mindoro, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and Social Work students from Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC) paraded along downtown San Jose in support of legal adoption. Participants held placards bearing motivational slogan reinforcing the importance of adopting an abandoned, abused or neglected child.

“Isang magandang adhikain ang matulungan ang mga inabandonang kabataan na magkaroon ng pamilya,” said Mayor Romulo Festin in his inspirational message during a short program held after the parade. Families who have successfully raised an fostered child gave speech in light of breaking the stigma on adoption. “Kung wala pong umampon sa akin, wala na rin po ako siguro sa harapan nyo,” said Jennylyn Talento, a 25 year-old fostered child in her testimonial. Her foster mother, Benny Gasmin, 45, cried upon her delivery of speech saying “Malaki po ang biyaya na hatid ng pag-aampon ng bata, napakasarap po sa pakiramdam na nakatulong, nakapagpalaki at nakapagbigay ng magandang buhay sa isang bata.”

DSWD Region IV – MiMaRoPa Regional Director, Wilma D. Naviamos reinforced the fact that adopted children should be free from ridicule as they are not different from any other children. “Huwag po nating kutyain ang mga batang inampon, sila ay hindi naiiba sa kahit sa sino sa atin,” Naviamos added. She also said that everyone has an equal chance at becoming successful in life regardless of ones stature.

A covenant signing capped the short program to reassure commitment and full support of various stakeholders in promoting legal adoption.