Manila: The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) has renewed its push to expand legal adoption pathways, encouraging qualified single individuals, solo parents, and eligible members of the LGBTQIA+ community to consider legal adoption and foster care. In a news release on Wednesday, the NACC said the call coincided with its annual campaign for alternative child care and child protection programs. NACC Undersecretary Maria Gabriela Concepcion underscored the theme "Love Makes a Family" in celebration of the Adoption and Alternative Child Care Week (AACCW) until June 14.
According to Philippines News Agency, Concepcion stated that love is expressed in many ways, including through words, time, acts of service, gifts, and physical presence. She emphasized that choosing to go through legal adoption and foster care is also an expression of love. Concepcion highlighted that it is not only a legal process of building a family but also a conscious decision to give a child safety, stability, and a permanent sense of belonging.
The agency highlighted Solo Parent Adoption as a vital legal avenue open to qualified single individuals, including eligible members of the LGBTQIA+ community, under existing laws. According to the NACC, the primary consideration in the adoption process is an applicant's capacity to provide a stable home and consistent care for a child.
Concepcion also provided updates on the implementation of the Simulated Birth Rectification Act (SIBRA), reporting that the NACC has already received 204 petitions to rectify simulated birth records. She reminded the public that the window for filing these applications is open until March 29, 2029.
Meanwhile, the NACC raised the alarm over the rise of illegal adoption schemes and online baby selling. The agency reminded the public that the domestic administrative adoption process has been made more accessible to shield children from trafficking and exploitation. The agency likewise underscored the importance of the Foundling Recognition and Protection Act, reiterating that no child should be left in conditions that compromise their safety and well-being.
