PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN VANCOUVER AND PHILIPPINE NATIONAL AUTHORITY ON CHILD CARE PARTNER TO STRENGTHEN PHILIPPINES–CANADA INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION

Vancouver, B.C. 02 November 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, in collaboration with the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), successfully held an Online Information Session on Intercountry Adoption on 28 October 2026, aimed at clarifying the legal framework, processes, and mandates surrounding the adoption of Filipino children in Canada and the Philippines.

The virtual webinar was preceded by an official courtesy call on Acting Head of Post Consul André Peter C. Estanislao by NACC Council Member Dr. Maria Caridad H. Tarroja and Director III for Operations and Services Ms. Imelda R. Ronda at the Philippine Consulate General. The delegation’s visit to British Columbia forms part of NACC’s regular triennial accreditation visits to partner Foreign Adoption Agencies (FAAs) in Canada, including the Sunrise Family Services Society based in North Vancouver.

Representing Consul General Dr. Gina A. Jamoralin, Consul Estanislao welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Consulate's commitment to supporting child welfare initiatives for the Filipino diaspora.

In his remarks opening the webinar, Consul Estanislao underscored the profound responsibility of protecting children and the family through intercountry adoption regulations and agreements:

"Family is at the very heart of the Filipino identity, and every child deserves a safe, loving, and supportive home where they can thrive. Intercountry adoption serves as a vital bridge of hope, uniting children with compassionate families across borders. However, this path requires the utmost transparency, legal safeguards, and institutional cooperation to ensure that the best interests and welfare of the child remain paramount at every step of the process."

During the webinar, Director Ronda served as the main speaker and presented a comprehensive overview of Philippine Republic Act No. 11642 (the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act), which reorganized the former Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB) into the NACC as a consolidated, quasi-judicial agency under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Director Ronda and Dr. Tarroja discussed the key principles governing intercountry adoption—specifically the principle of subsidiarity and the best interest of the child—as well as the stringent procedures for relative and regular intercountry adoptions, pre-departure requirements, and post-placement supervision in Canada.

The interactive session drew active participation from prospective adoptive parents, social workers, community advocates, and members of the Filipino-Canadian community across British Columbia and Western Canada. Participants gained valuable guidance on navigating adoption applications, addressing common challenges, and ensuring compliance with both Philippine and Canadian legal requirements.

The Consulate General and the NACC reiterated their joint commitment to working closely with central authorities and accredited agencies in Canada to safeguard the rights and well-being of Filipino adoptees. END