Following the amendment of the Omnibus Guidelines on Domestic Adoption Process, the Department of Social Welfare and Development saw the need to solicit insights and inputs from Muslim leaders regarding the adoption of Muslim children.

Yesterday, DSWD gathered social workers, Non-Government Organizations, legal officers and legislators to attend the Policy Forum and Consultation on Adoption. This is to reconcile adoption policies under the national law and Shariah law that have conflicting provisions. The forum also aimed to come up with a policy paper regarding Muslim children for adoption based on the recommendations coming from the concerned and responsible sectors.

DSWD Undersecretary Parisya Taradji pointed out the importance of bringing this into the attention of the lawmakers and implementers and resolving issues on the adoption policies as this ensures children are protected and that their rights are made available to them.

“This is very important because we are talking about the welfare of the children. They are one of the most vulnerable sectors. We don’t want them to be deprived of their rights to have a family that will nurture them.” Taradji said during the forum.

The deprivation the rights pointed out by Taradji referred to some actual cases handled by the regional office where Muslim adoptive children had to be removed from the list for possible placement because of the existing policies under the Shariah law, which is generally distinct from practices and customs of adoption in national law.

DSWD IX Regional Director Zenaida L. Arevalo disclosed that there are a total of 68 adoptive children in the region, wherein 3 of them are Muslim.

“There were cases wherein we had to impede the adoption process of Muslim families because of the misinterpretation of some laws that govern Muslim affairs. So it is just but imperative to consult our brothers in Islam to help us out in harmonizing these policies for the best interest of both the adoptive family and children.” Arevalo stated.

After a thorough discussion, the body has agreed to look into amending PD 1083, particularly Article 64, to incorporate adoption policies provided by the Shariah law. However, Usec Taradji emphasized the importance of conducting more consultation meetings and Focus Group Discussions with the Ulamas to gather more inputs from higher level of religious groups.

It has also been agreed to invite Imam during matching conference when there are Muslim children who are legally available for adoption.

“Please help us pursue this initiative. We, in the government take the lead because we have the resources. We have our DLLO, who can look into the legislative agenda directed to how we can make some changes in the adoption law.” Taradji concluded.###