NACC RACCO IV-A Honors Three Families as Adoption Journeys Reach Finality in Laguna
STA. CRUZ, LAGUNA — Three families officially reached a defining milestone in their adoption journeys as the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) granted Orders of Adoption and Certificates of Finality during the culmination of the Adoption and Alternative Child Care Week 2026 on June 25, 2026, held in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
The issuance of these legal documents formally recognized the children as permanent and full members of their adoptive families, completing a process anchored on child protection, legal safeguards, and the fundamental right of every child to grow within a safe, nurturing, and stable family environment.
The ceremony was facilitated by the Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) IV-A CALABARZON, led by Officer In-Charge Mr. John S. Caliguid, in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Laguna, represented by Provincial Government Assistant Department Head Ms. Marita L. Barcia.
At the center of the event was the symbolic “Ringing of the Bell of Joy,” a tradition recognizing the completion of the adoption process and the beginning of a new chapter for children and families. The sound of the bell served as a public affirmation that adoption is not merely a legal transition but a lifelong commitment built on care, protection, and belonging.
“More than a legal process, this ceremony represents the fulfillment of a greater mission — to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow in a safe, nurturing, and permanent family environment. Through the continued commitment of RACCO IV-A and its partners, children are given the chance to begin a new chapter filled with security, hope, and love,” Caliguid said.
Ms. Barcia emphasized the importance of promoting legal adoption while addressing persistent misconceptions surrounding adopted children.
“Ang bawat bata ay mahalaga. Sa pamamagitan ng ating adbokasiya para sa legal adoption, higit nating mauunawaan kung ano ang tunay na kahulugan ng adoption at makakahanap tayo ng mga pamilyang makapagbibigay ng tamang pag-aaruga, proteksyon, at pagmamahal sa mga bata. Mahalaga rin ito upang mabawasan at tuluyang mawala ang mga negatibong pananaw tungkol sa pag-aampon,” Barcia said.
Among the families who shared their adoption journey were Mr. Anthony John D. Sun and Ms. Marife B. Sun, who reflected on their experience of welcoming their child, Kyle, into their family.
“Sobrang suwerte po namin kasi simula nang mapunta sa amin si Kyle, hindi na po kami nahirapan sa pag-aalaga sa kanya. Lahat po ay tuwang-tuwa sa kanya dahil noong dumating siya sa amin, halos dalawang taong gulang na siya, pero hindi siya iyakin at sobrang bait na bata,” Mr. Sun shared.
He added that one of their greatest responsibilities was preparing their child to understand his story at the right time.
“Ang naging hamon lang po sa amin ay kung paano namin ipapaliwanag sa kanya ang kanyang kwento sa tamang panahon. Ang naging paraan po namin ay palaging gawing positibo ang kanyang pinagdaanan. Lagi po namin siyang sinasabihan na ibinigay siya sa amin ni Jesus at may magandang dahilan ang lahat ng nangyari,” he said.
For Mrs. Sun, adoption is a commitment that goes beyond financial capacity and is rooted in readiness, love, and responsibility.
“Hindi naman po kailangan na mayaman para makapag-adopt. Ang mahalaga po ay handa tayo at kaya nating mabigyan ang bata ng maayos, ligtas, at mapagmahal na buhay. Simula nang nag-adopt kami, masasabi ko po na mas nakikilala ko ang sarili ko bilang isang ina. Araw-araw po akong natututo at patuloy na natututo mula sa aking anak at sa pagiging magulang,” she said.
The event also highlighted the experiences of foster families, including the Garcia Family, who shared their journey of providing temporary care that became a meaningful bond. Foster parent and Pagsanjan, Laguna Mayor Hon. Januario Ferry G. Garcia emphasized that family is defined not only by biological ties but by commitment and love.
“Sa aming tahanan naging bahagi ng aming buhay si Baby Janice sa loob ng maraming taon. Hindi lang namin siya tinuring na isang foster child kung hindi isang tunay na anak. Ang pamilya ay hindi nasusukat sa dugo, hindi nasusukat sa apelyido o sa dokumento. Ang pamilya ay nabubuo sa pagmamahal,” Garcia said.
The milestone reinforced the continuing efforts of the NACC and RACCO IV-A CALABARZON in advancing the Adoption and Alternative Child Care Program (AACCP), while recognizing the vital role of local government units in transforming child care policies into meaningful outcomes for children and families.
The celebration concluded with the ceremonial turnover of the hosting responsibility for the next Adoption and Alternative Child Care Week 2027, which will be led by the Province of Rizal.
Through the Bell of Joy ceremony, stakeholders reaffirmed a shared commitment: that every child deserves not only a home, but a family where they are protected, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.