Adoption can be considered a taboo in our country. It is not always talked about. It is even avoided at times. People are not always proud of the fact that they are adopted, or that they are a part of an adoptive family. Still, there are people who are very well open to this matter. These are the people who know the truth about adoption. These are the ones who can proudly say that adoption is merely a word, not a reason to differentiate one from another.
December 7th of last year, I got the chance to be a part of an adoptive families sharing program in the McCann Worldgroup social lounge. Guests from government and child-caring organizations like the Center for Family Ministries were present. One of the speakers was Sen. Pia Cayetano who is a foster parent herself and soon to be an adoptive parent. Adoptive families were there to share each of their stories. A lot of issues on adoption and the stigmas were raised. More importantly, the adoptive parents were able to inspire all who were part of the event with their stories.
Ms. Cecile Gabutina-Velez, vice president managing partner of McCann Worldgroup, expressed how their company worked with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Inter-country Adoption Board in order to start the "Love Sees Beyond Differences" adoption advocacy campaign. She said that the most prevalent stigma on adoption is "hiya" which is the primary thing the advocacy wants to address. The adoptive families sharing program is a fitting step towards softening the stigma.
Witnessing all these people and families come together in one place so that others can learn from their stories did not only teach me. It also made me think of all the possible things that people can achieve through a collective and real effort.
Even if it will take a long while, change can happen for those who try.
Senator Pia Cayetano
Mr. Mike Tripp is one of the adoptive parents.
By Paola Brinas
Yes, change happens to those who try. And hopefully, it is positive change.
ReplyDelete