Adoption starts with legal move, says child care office
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In observance of the 2025 Adoption and Alternative Child Care Week (AACCW), the government is reminding the public that adoption starts with a legal move – a call to action that highlights the need to follow proper process to protect children and families.
Attorney Marinelle Aycee Peral, legal officer of the Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) Caraga, emphasized this message during the Kapihan sa PIA on June 9 at SM City Butuan, urging prospective adoptive parents and foster families to work with RACCO and avoid independent or unregulated child placements.
“We strongly discourage independent placement,” said Peral. “If you want to foster or adopt a child, start the process the right way through legal means. Legal adoption starts with a legal move.”
She underscored that Republic Act No. 11642, or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act, has simplified the process by shifting all adoptions to an administrative route. This reform makes adoption faster, less expensive, and more accessible, while upholding the best interests of the child.
“This law makes adoption more achievable for many families, but it still requires responsibility. We match children carefully with capable and loving families through legal and professional means,” she added.
Peral explained that RACCO collaborates closely with licensed social workers to review and process applications. She also clarified that relative adoption often has fewer requirements, as long as the relative is proven financially and emotionally capable.
The Kapihan sa PIA also addressed the growing concern over online baby selling.
“Since 2023, over 40 cases have been uncovered nationwide, though no confirmed incidents have been recorded in Caraga. In most cases, it is difficult to trace the baby’s origin or the exact location of the transaction,” Peral noted.
With this challenge, the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) continues to monitor potential cases, and RACCO urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
“Our top priority is the safety and dignity of the child,” said Peral. “We are also asking media practitioners to help report adoption-related issues with sensitivity and without compromising the child’s identity.”
She concluded by thanking the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga for its continued support in raising public awareness. “With your help, we can build a society where every child grows in a loving, legal, and secure home.”
The government’s message is clear: Adoption begins with a legal move through proper channels, guided by the law, and rooted on the best interest of the child. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)