Gifts wrapped in love: Six families in Caraga awarded with adoption certificates
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The sound of the ceremonial “bell of joy” echoed through the halls of the Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) Caraga as one of the six families celebrated the finalization of their adoption journey.
Among them were Dandrib and Revi Sas, who, together with their daughter Akiesha Bliss, proudly rang the bell after receiving their Certificate of Finality and Adoption Order—a symbol of love, perseverance, and answered prayers.
For the Sas couple, the moment was the culmination of years of longing for a child of their own. While waiting for adoption opportunities, they embraced foster care and were matched with Akiesha on May 17, 2024. Just months later, on November 24, Akiesha was declared legally available for adoption—a turning point the couple considered a divine sign.
Determined to give Akiesha a permanent home, they filed their adoption petition on July 4, 2025. After careful review by the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), the long-awaited Order of Adoption was issued on October 23, followed by the Certificate of Finality on November 19.
“We would like to thank everyone who has, in one way or another, guided and supported us in our journey. And now, we are so happy that we can finally call Akiesha our own,” Dandrib said, his voice filled with gratitude and joy. He vowed to be the best parent he could be, promising to support Akiesha’s needs until adulthood.
An emotional Revi also shared her heartfelt message to their daughter: “God has truly answered our prayers when He gave you to us. We promise to love, protect, and guide you forever.” She extended her thanks to RACCO Caraga for being instrumental in making her dream of motherhood come true.
RACCO Officer-in-Charge Emily A. Sanogal, who personally awarded the certificates, joined in the family’s celebration. “This child is really destined to be a part of your family. There is a reason for everything that happens in our lives, and that includes this greater plan for your family,” she said, underscoring the significance of the milestone.
Sanogal highlighted that beyond the paperwork and processes, it was the Sas couple’s determination, commitment, and unconditional love for the child that made the adoption process successful.
“The finalization of your adoption is not the end of our relationship; rather, this is just the beginning. We will be organizing support groups for adoptive parents next year, along with capacity-building activities such as adoption telling and parenting strategies to assist you as you start your new life with your child,” she added.
The ceremony was more than a legal formality—it was a celebration of family, resilience, and the boundless love that transforms lives. For the Sas family and the five other families that were awarded their respective adoption orders, the ringing of the “bell of joy” marked not just the end of a journey, but the beginning of a lifetime of love and belonging. (NJGD/PIA Caraga)