The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office III (DSWD FO III) kicks off its Adoption Consciousness Celebration today, 11 February 2019 with a Fun Run. Hundred advocates from different agencies colored the City of San Fernando with their brightest pink shirts in the 4km run from Dolores to Pampanga Sports Complex.

Dir. Gemma B. Gabuya of DSWD FO III stressed the importance of adoption and foster care in the normal development of children, especially those who are abandoned, neglected, surrendered and abused. “Tha name of the child is ‘Today’ – children [who are legally available for adoption] should be placed in permanent families as soon as possible,” she said.

The participants immediately proceeded in a short activity, featuring awarding and games, after the run. Roman Matthew Feliciano is the 3rd placer; John Lloyed Villas, 2nd and the first to finish the run is Eddie Loresco.

Other partner agencies present are Commission on Human Rights, Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Statistics Authority, Office of the Civil Defense, Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines, and the DSWD’s Regional Office, Reception and Study Center for Children, Provincial Extension Offices of Pampanga and Bulacan.

Adoption Consciousness Celebration is being observed from 9-17 February, 2019. More activities are lined-up this week.