Republic of the Philippines

7th JUDICIAL REGION

Regional Trial Court
Branch ____, Cebu City

IN RE: IN THE MATTER OF

ADOPTION OF MINOR
CHARLES SANTOS AND
CHANGE OF NAME TO
CHARLES DELA CRUZ SPECPROC No. _______________
For Domestic Adoption of Minor

SPOUSES THOMAS DELA

CRUZ
and GRACE DELA CRUZ,
Petitioners,
x------------------------------------------
x

PETITION FOR
DOMESTIC ADOPTION OF MINOR

The petitioners, through the undersigned attorney, and unto this

Honorable Court, respectfully avers that:

1. The petitioners, Spouses Thomas Dela Cruz and Grace Dela Cruz
are husband and wife, Filipinos, both of age, and residents of 74-B
R. Duterte Street, Banawa, Cebu City. They have been married
since January 5, 2015, but they still remain childless. A copy of the
Marriage Certificate is hereto attached as Annex “A”;

2. The petitioners hereby desire to jointly adopt a minor foundling

named CHARLES SANTOS, 2 years & 7 months old. A copy of
the Certificate of Foundling is hereto attached as Annex “B”;

3. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has issued a

certification that the child Charles Santos is legally available for

1
 adoption pursuant to Republic Act No. 9523, evidenced by a
Certification of a Child Legally Available for Adoption, hereto
attached as Annex “C”;

4. The placement of the child with spouses Mr. Thomas Dela Cruz
and Mrs. Grace Dela Cruz of 74-B R. Duterte Street, Banawa,
Cebu City, was approved by the Department of Social Welfare and
Development, located at M.J. Cuenco Avenue corner General
Maxilom Avenue, Barangay Carreta, Cebu City, 6000, Cebu,
through the issuance of Pre-Adoption Placement Authority
(PAPA) on April 25, 2020. A copy of the Pre-Adoption Placement
Authority is hereto attached as Annex “D”;

5. That as per Child Study report, the DSWD has evaluated and
recommended that the minor child can be legally adopted by
spouses THOMAS DELA CRUZ and GRACE DELA CRUZ for
the child’s best interest and welfare. A copy of said DSWD Child
Study Report is herein attached as Annex “E”;

6. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, through its

Secretary, Rolando Joselito Bautista, has issued an Affidavit of
Consent to Adoption. A copy of the Affidavit of Consent To
Adoption is hereto attached as Annex “F”;

7. Petitioners are qualified to adopt the minor and have complied

with the requirements under the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998
(R.A. No. 8552) and Articles 183 & 184 of the Family Code of the
Philippines, EO 20 and the Adoption Policy of the DSWD;

8. Petitioners will be able to financially support the said minor child

and give the child a comfortable life with endless opportunities as
they are both professionals and are gainfully and regularly
employed.

A copy of each of the following are hereto attached: The spouses’

Joint Income Tax Return (Annex “G”), Mrs. Grace Dela Cruz’s

2
 Professional Regulation Commission ID as a physician (Annex
“H”), Mrs. Grace Dela Cruz’s Certificates of Employment from
the Cebu Institute of Medicine (Annex “I”) and Chong Hua
Hospital (Annex “J”), Mr. Thomas Dela Cruz’s Integrated Bar of
the Philippines ID (Annex “K”), Mr. Thomas Dela Cruz’s
Certificate of Employment from the University of San Carlos -
School of Law and Governance (Annex “L”), and his law firm’s
Certificate of Partnership from the Securities and Exchange
Commission (Annex “M”).

9. Petitioners will also be able to morally bring up and educate the

said minor properly and adequately, as they are both of good
moral standing in the community. The spouses’ character
references from non-relative members of the immediate
community (Annex “N”), Police Clearances (Annex “O”), NBI
Clearances (Annex “P”) and Barangay Clearances (Annex “Q”),
are hereto attached in this petition.

10.That it is for the best interest of said minor if he would be

considered as a child of herein petitioners because his financial,
spiritual, and emotional needs would be taken care of and his
future would be safeguarded. In fact, the couple owns a house
located in a safe neighborhood in Cebu. They also hired a nanny to
take care of the subject minor while they are at work. Moreover,
the mother of Grace lives with the spouses and can assist them in
caring for the minor child. With that, the DSWD, in its Home
Study Report, has strongly evaluated and recommended that the
Honorable Court approves the adoption of minor Charles Santos to
Spouses Thomas Dela Cruz and Grace Dela Cruz. A copy of the
Home Study Report is herein attached as Annex “R” with the
Certificate of Attendance in a Pre-Adoption Seminar as Annex
“S”.

WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that judgment be rendered

3
in petitioners’ favor adjudging the minor child Charles Santos freed from all
legal obligations of obedience and maintenance with respect to his natural
parents and that he be declared for all legal intents and purposes, the child of
herein petitioners and that his name be CHARLES DELA CRUZ.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED.

Cebu City, Cebu. May 27, 2020.

IBISATE GUECO ACBAY PEREZ BERINGUEL RIEL HO &

FAJARDO LAW OFFICES
Counsel for Petitioners Spouses Thomas Dela Cruz and Grace Dela Cruz
Suite 210, 2nd Floor, The Walk, Cebu I.T. Park, Lahug, Cebu City 6000
Email Address: igapbrhfLAW@gmail.com
Contact Number: (032) 550-0330

GEORLAN IBISATE
Roll No. 29577
MCLE Compliance No. V-0006510; 02.27.14;Pasig City
PTR No. 6666362; 01.12.16; Cebu City
IBP No. 1002882; 12.08.15
TIN No. 233-452-074-000

VERIFICATION & CERTIFICATION AGAINST FORUM

4
 SHOPPING

We, SPOUSES THOMAS DELA CRUZ and GRACE DELA CRUZ,

both Filipinos, of legal ages, and residents of 74-B R. Duterte Street,
Banawa, Cebu City. do hereby state that: we are the PETITIONERS in the
document entitled PETITION FOR DOMESTIC ADOPTION OF MINOR
being verified and in such capacity, caused this petition to be prepared;

We have read its contents and affirm that they are true and correct to
the best of our own personal knowledge; We hereby certify that there is no
other case commenced or pending before any court involving the same
parties and the same issue and that, should we learn of such a case, we shall
notify the court within five (5) days from my notice.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have signed this instrument on the 27 th

day of May 2020 in Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines.

THOMAS DELA CRUZ GRACE DELA CRUZ

Affiant Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me in Cebu City, Cebu,

Philippines, on the 27th day of May 2020, affiants exhibiting before me their
Government Issued Identifications to wit:
======================================================
THOMAS DELA CRUZ PRC ID No. E2-0035087 exp. 10/04/2022
GRACE DELA CRUZ SSS-UMID CRN-006-0101-5061-4
======================================================

JANDI YANG
NOTARIAL COMMISSION NO. 072-
10
NOTARY PUBLIC FOR AND IN THE CITY OF
CEBU UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2021
IB ISATE GUEC O AC BA Y PER EZ BER ING U EL R IEL HO &
FAJAR DO L AW O FFI C ES
Doc. No. 01; SUITE 210, 2ND FLOOR, THE WALK, CEBU I.T. PARK, LAHUG, CEBU CITY
MCLE COMPLIANCE NO. V-0006459; 02.27.19; PASIG CITY
Page No. 02; PTR NO. 6666359; 01.12.20; CEBU CITY
Book No. III; IBP NO. 1002876; 12.07.20; CEBU
ROLL OF ATTORNEYS’ NO. 34557
Series of 2020. TIN 244.203.101.000

5
ATTACHMENT “A”

Republic of the Philippines

7th JUDICIAL REGION
Regional Trial Court
Branch ____, Cebu City

IN RE: IN THE MATTER OF

ADOPTION OF MINOR
CHARLES SANTOS AND
CHANGE OF NAME TO SPEC PROC No. ______________
CHARLES DELA CRUZ For Domestic Adoption of Minor

SPOUSES THOMAS DELA

CRUZ and GRACE DELA CRUZ,
Petitioners,

x------------------------------------------
x

JUDICIAL AFFIDAVIT
I, THOMAS DELA CRUZ, Filipino, of legal age, married, and a
resident of 74-B R. Duterte Street, Banawa, Cebu City, Philippines, after
having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby depose and
say:

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

The person examining me is Atty. Georlan Ibisate, with office

address at Ibisate, Gueco, Acbay, Perez, Beringuel, Riel, Ho, & Fajardo
Law Offices, located at Suite 210, 2nd Floor, The Walk, Cebu I.T. Park,
Lahug, Cebu City. The examination is being held at the same address.

I am answering hir questions fully conscious that I do so under

oath and may face criminal liability for false testimony and perjury.

Questions and Answers

(By Way of Direct Examination)

(Atty. Georlan Ibisate:)

Q1: Good morning, Mr. Dela Cruz!

(Thomas Dela Cruz:)

A1: Good morning, Attorney!

1
Q2: Are you the same Thomas Dela Cruz, one of the petitioners in this
petition: In the matter of adoption of minor Charles Santos and Change
of name to Charles Dela Cruz?

A2: Yes, Atty., I am.

Q3: What is your relationship with Grace Dela Cruz, the other
petitioner, named in this case?

A3: Grace Dela Cruz is my wife, Atty.

[Handling to counsel the original copy of the Marriage

Certificate.]

Q4: I will mark this document as EXHIBIT “A” for the Petitioner and
attach a copy thereof to your Judicial Affidavit. Will you confirm my
actions?

A4: Yes, Atty..

Q5: Why are you filing this petition?

A5: I filed this petition because my wife, Grace Dela Cruz, and
I would like to jointly adopt a minor foundling named
Charles Santos.

Q6: How did you cross path with the minor named Charles Santos?

A6: It was fate, Atty. My wife and I had been trying to

conceive our own child since we got married in 2015 but
it seems like God has other plan for us. I will never forget
that day, it was September 20, 2017 when God finally
answered our prayer. My wife attended the mass held in
Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu when she heard a
crying baby as she approached the entrance of the
church.

Q7: What happened next?

A7: My wife brought Charles to Department of Social Welfare

and Development Office. On her way there, she tried
calling me to tell me about the baby but I wasn’t able to
answer her right away. As I noticed her multiple missed
calls, I got worried and called her mobile immediately.
When she answered, she said that she have a wonderful
news and asked me to come to DSWD Office right away.

Q8: What happened in the DSWD Office?

A8: My wife was waiting for me at the front gate. I noticed

that there were tears in her cheeks yet with
overwhelming atmosphere of joy. She told me that she
found a baby and that she wanted me to meet him.

2
Q9: What happened after you met Charles?

A9: I knew right then and there that he belongs to us. It’s like
a dream come true. I knew that Grace and I are thinking
of the same thing, we want Charles to be our son, to be
part of our family.

Q10: Do you have documents to prove the status of Charles?

A10: Yes, Atty. Here’s a copy of the Certificate of Foundling of

Charles.

[Handling to counsel the copy of the document.]

Q11: I will mark this document as EXHIBIT “B” for the Petitioner and
attach a copy thereof to your Judicial Affidavit. Will you confirm my
actions?

A11: Yes, Atty..

Q12: What happened after that day?

A12: Grace and I talked and we decided not to hurry in

making our decision since adopting is a huge
responsibility. My wife and I have been helping in the
shelter even before Charles arrived in our lives. Having
Charles in the shelter gave us more reason to frequent
our visit there. Two years after we found Charles, we
have now fully decided to adopt the child.

A13: What document, if any, could you show to prove that Charles
Santos is legally available for adoption?

A13: I have a certificate entitled “Certification of a Child

Legally Available for Adoption” issued by the Department
of Social Welfare and Development expressing that
Charles is legally available for adoption.

Q14: I will mark this document as EXHIBIT “C” for the Petitioner and
attach a copy thereof to your Judicial Affidavit. Will you confirm my
actions?

A14: Yes, Atty..

Q15: Is Charles living with you and your wife?

A15: Yes, Atty.. My wife and I are granted authority by the

Department of Social Welfare and Development for the
placement of Charles Santos last April 25, 2020. The day
after the issuance of such authority, we brought Charles
to our home.

Q16: Do you have document to prove this grant of placement authority?

3
 A16: Yes, Atty.. Here is the original copy of the Pre-Adoption
Placement Authority (PAPA) issued by the Department
of Social Welfare and Development.

Q17: I will mark this document as EXHIBIT “D” for the Petitioner and
attach a copy thereof to your Judicial Affidavit. Will you confirm my
actions?

A17: Yes, Atty..

Q18: Dou you have in your possession any documents evidencing a

personal recommendation to be the adoptive parents of the minor
Charles Santos?

A18: Yes, Atty.. The DSWD has evaluated and recommended

that my wife and I can legally adopt Charles. In fact, the
DSWD issued this Child Study Report in which they
expressly recommended and affirmed that my wife and I
are acceptable adoptive parents of Charles.

Q19: I will mark this document as EXHIBIT “E” for the Petitioner and
attach a copy thereof to your Judicial Affidavit. Will you confirm my
actions?

A19: Yes, Atty..

Q20: What other documents, if any, that proves and allows you to adopt
the minor Charles Santos?

A20: The Department of Social Welfare and Development

also issued us an Affidavit of Consent to Adoption
executed and signed by the Regional Director of DSWD
Rebecca P. Geamala expressing her consent to the
adoption of minor Charles Santos.

[Handling to counsel the copy of the document.]

Q21: I will mark this document as EXHIBIT “F” for the Petitioner and
attach a copy thereof to your Judicial Affidavit. Will you confirm my
actions?

A21: Yes, Atty..

Q22:  Do you think you can fully support and provide for the needs of
the minor if such adoption is granted by the Court?

A22: Yes, Atty.. My wife and I are both professionals. As proof

of our financial capacity to provide for Charles’s needs, I
present to you this copy of our joint Income Tax Return for
2019.

As for my wife, she is a physician and currently employed as

a professor in the College of Medicine of Cebu Institute of

4
 Medicine and is currently the Medical Director of Chong Hua
Medical Center-Cebu City. As proof, I present to you my wife’s
Professional Regulation Commission ID and Certificate of
Employment from Cebu Institute of Medicine and her
Certificate of Employment from Chong Hua Medical Center.

As for me, I am a practicing lawyer. I am also employed as a

law professor in the College of Law of University of San
Carlos here in Cebu and a partner of Dela Cruz Law Office. As
proof, I present to you this copy of my Integrated Bar of the
Philippines ID, my Certificate of Employment from University
of San Carlos-Cebu, and the Articles of Partnership of our law
firm.

Q23: I will mark these document as EXHIBIT “G,” “H,” “I,” “J,” “K,” “L,”
and “M,” respectively, for the Petitioner and attach a copy thereof to
your Judicial Affidavit. Will you confirm my actions?

A23: Yes, Atty..

Q24: Do you think you can provide Charles with an environment that
will help him grow and become responsible and good member of our
society?

A24: Yes, Atty.. I have a good standing as member of the

community. I was reared with good values that I can
impart to Charles. I am confident that my wife and I are
possessed with qualities of good parents. In fact, I
brought here character references from impartial and
non-relative members of our community who can attest
to our social reputations. These character references
are from a priest from the Basilica of Santo Nino, another
is from the associate director of Lots of Love Foundation,
and the last one is from our neighbor.

Q25: I will mark these Character References as EXHIBIT “N” for the
Petitioner and attach a copy thereof to your Judicial Affidavit. Will you
confirm my actions?

A25: Yes, Atty..

Q26: Do you have any other proof that can attest to your good moral
standing as members of the community?

A26: Yes, Atty.. I present to you these Police Clearances of my

wife and I, as well as our NBI Clearances and Barangay
Clearances. All of these documents shows that we have
no records of any violation or infraction of law that will
raise dispute as to our reputations, character, and
standing in this community.

Q27: I will mark these documents as EXHIBIT “O,” and “P” and “Q” for
the Petitioner and attach a copy thereof to your Judicial Affidavit. Will

5
you confirm my actions?

A27: Yes, Atty..

Q28: You have mentioned earlier that Charles is currently under your
care and protection, how is he?

A28: That is correct, Atty. Charles is healthy and couldn’t be

happier. His playful laughter and cries when his hungry
fills the void in our home. He’s truly an angel sent to us
by God. He completes our family.

Q29: Can you present other document to prove your fitness as adoptive
parents of the minor Charles Santos?

A29: Yes, Atty. The DSWD also conducted a Home Study to my

wife and I. In the Report, they strongly recommended
us to become the adoptive parents of Charles.

Q30: I will mark this Home Study Report as EXHIBIT “R” for the
Petitioner and attach a copy thereof to your Judicial Affidavit. Will you
confirm my actions?

A30: Yes, Atty..

Q31: In filing this Petition, what are you asking from the Court?
A31: I pray of this Honorable Court to render a judgment
granting our petition to adopt Charles Santos and that
the minor’s name be changed to Charles Dela Cruz.

Q32: Is there anything else that you would like to say?

A32: None, for now, Atty.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have affixed my signature this 22nd day

of May, 2020, at Cebu City, Philippines.

THOMAS DELA CRUZ

Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me on the 22nd day of

May, 2020, at Cebu City, Philippines; Affiant exhibited to me his
TIN 54-022-073-600.

6
 GEORLAN
Doc. No. 1; IBISATE
Page No. 3; NOTARIAL COMMISSION NO.074-
10
Book No. II; NOTARY PUBLIC FOR AND IN THE CITY OF
CEBU UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2021
Series of 2020. IB ISA TE, GU EC O, ACBA Y, PER EZ, BER ING UEL, R IEL, HO,
& FA JA RD O LAW O FFI C ES
SUITE 210, 2ND FLOOR, THE WALK, CEBU I.T. PARK, LAHUG, CEBU CITY
MCLE COMPLIANCE NO. V-0006510; 02.27.18; PASIG CITY
PTR NO. 6666361; 01.12.20; CEBU CITY
IBP NO. 1002882; 12.08.20; CEBU

7
 ATTESTATION

I faithfully recorded the questions I asked THOMAS DELA

CRUZ and the corresponding answers he gave me; neither I nor
any other person then present coached the said THOMAS
DELA CRUZ regarding his answers.

ATTY. GEORLAN IBISATE

Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me, a Notary Public

for and in the Province/City of Cebu, on the 22nd day of May,
2020, at Cebu City, by the said Atty. Georlan Ibisate, who is the
same person who personally signed before me the foregoing
Attestation and acknowledged that he executed the same and
exhibited to me his IBP Membership Card with Attorneys’ Roll No.
57421 issued by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

JANDI YANG
NOTARIAL COMMISSION NO. 072-10
NOTARY PUBLIC FOR AND IN THE
CITY OF CEBU
UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2021
IB ISATE GUEC O AC BA Y
PEREZ BER INGUEL R IEL H O &
FAJARD O L A W O FFI C ES
SUITE 210, 2ND FLOOR, THE WALK,
CEBU I.T. PARK, LAHUG, CEBU CITY
MCLE COMPLIANCE NO. V-0006459;
02.27.19; PASIG CITY
PTR NO. 6666359; 01.12.20; CEBU CITY
IBP NO. 1002876; 12.07.20; CEBU
ROLL OF ATTORNEYS’ NO. 34557
TIN 244.203.101.000
Doc. No. 02;
Page No. 02;
Book No. III;
Series of 2020.

8
ATTACHMENT “B”

Republic of the Philippines

7th JUDICIAL REGION
Regional Trial Court
Branch ____, Cebu City

IN RE: IN THE MATTER OF

ADOPTION OF MINOR
CHARLES SANTOS AND
CHANGE OF NAME TO SPECPROC No. _____________
CHARLES DELA CRUZ For Domestic Adoption of Minor

SPOUSES THOMAS DELA

CRUZ and GRACE DELA CRUZ,
Petitioners,
x-----------------------------------------x

Republic of the Philippines)

City of Cebu…………………….)S.s.

JU DI C IA L A FF ID A V IT

I, GRACE DELA CRUZ, Filipino, 32 years old, married, and

a
resident of 74-B R. Duterte St., Banawa, Cebu City, Philippines, after
having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby depose
and say:

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

The person examining me is Atty. Georlan Ibisate, with

office address at Ibisate, Gueco, Acbay, Perez, Beringuel, Riel, Ho, &
Fajardo Law Offices, located at Suite 210, 2nd Floor, The Walk,
Cebu I.T. Park, Lahug, Cebu City. The examination is being held at
the same address.

1
 I am answering his questions fully conscious that I do so
under oath and may face criminal liability for false testimony and
perjury.

Questions and Answers

(By Way of Direct Examination)

(Atty. Georlan Ibisate:)

Q1: Good morning, Mrs. Dela Cruz!
(Grace Dela Cruz:)

A1: Good morning, Attorney!

Q2: Are you the same Grace Dela Cruz, one of the petitioners in
this petition: In the matter of adoption of minor Charles Santos and
Change of name to Charles Dela Cruz?

A2: Yes, Atty., I am.

Q3: Are you the wife of Mr. Thomas Dela Cruz, the other petitioner
in the case?

A3: Yes, Atty., I am.

Q4: I have attached a copy of your marriage certificate as Annex

“A” of the Petition. Is this information true and correct?

A4: Yes, Atty., Everything is true and correct.

Q5: Why are you filing this case?

A5: I am filing this case because I want to legally adopt

a minor child named Charles Santos and to cause the
change of his name to Charles Dela Cruz.

Q6: How did you come to know of the minor child?

A6: A f t e r I a t t e n d e d m a s s o n S e p t e m b e r 2 0 ,
2 0 1 7 , I found the child near the entrance of Basilica
Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu. The child was crying due
to the cold and hunger. I brought the child to the
Department of Social Welfare and Development
immediately.

Q7: I am showing you a copy of the child’s Certificate of

Foundling, which I have attached as Annex “B” in the Petition. Are
all the details, to your recollection, correct?
 A7: Yes, Atty.

Q8: Why do you want to legally adopt this particular minor child?
A8: I felt attached to Charles from the moment I found
him at the church, and got even more attached because
my husband and I, even before Charles arrived at the
shelter, visit DSWD every Sunday after attending Holy
Mass. We spend time with the children and help the
staff out. The connection that I felt became stronger
the more time I spent with him. My husband also feels
the same way.

We have been trying to conceive for years now but to

no avail. When I saw Charles I immediately thought
that our prayers have been answered and he was God’s
gift to us.

Q9: What documents can you present to show that you are fit to
be the legal mother of Charles, the minor child?

A9: As to our good moral character, I can present 3

character references from non-relative members of the
community. One is from a priest from the Basilica of
Santo Nino, another is from the associate director of
Lots of Love Foundation, and the last one is from our
neighbor.

As to our financial capacities, I can present my

husband and I’s joint Income Tax Return for 2019. I am
a physician by profession and I am currently employed
as a professor at the Cebu Institute of Medicine, and at
Chong Hua Hospital as a medical director. I can present
my PRC ID, and certificates of employment from CIM
and Chong Hua.

An affidavit of consent to adoption has also been issued

by the Regional Director of the DSWD Field Office VII.
The affidavit evidences the consent voluntarily given
by the Regional Director to us to adopt Charles.

Counsel: The 3 character references from non-relative

members of the community have been attached as Annex
“M”. A copy of the Pre-Adoption Placement Authority
(PAPA), 2019 joint income tax return of the spouses, PRC
ID of Grace Dela Cruz, Certificate of Employment from CIM,
and Certificate of Employment from Chong Hua have been
attached as Annex “D”, “F”, “G”, “H”, and “I” in the petition,
respectively.

Q10: Is the minor child living with you?

 A10: Yes, he is.

Q11: Since when?

A11: Since the 26th of April of this year. A day after the
Department of Social Welfare and Development
approved the placement of Charles with us.

Counsel: A certified true copy of the Pre-Adoption

Placement Authority (PAPA) has been attached to the
petition as Annex “D”.

Q12: How is the child coping now that he is living with you?

A12: He is happy and healthy. He’s very comfortable

with us since we always visit him when he was still in
the care of Lots of Love Foundation. We always tried to
spend time with him when we were free from work.

Now that he’s with us, May Carleton, the social worker,
checks on Charles often. She also said that Charles is
doing extremely well.

Q13: In filing this Petition, what are you asking from the Court?

A13: I pray that this Honorable Court grant our

petition to adopt Charles Santos, the minor child, and
his name be changed to Charles Dela Cruz.

Q14: Is there anything else that you would like to say?

A14: None, for now, Atty.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have affixed my signature this 13th

day of May, 2020, at Cebu City, Philippines.

GRACE DELA CRUZ

Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me on the 13th day of

May, 2020, at Cebu City, Philippines; Affiant exhibited to me her TIN
313-868-975-000.
 GEORLAN
IBISATE
NOTARIAL COMMISSION NO.074-
10
NOTARY PUBLIC FOR AND IN THE CITY OF
Doc. No. 2; CEBU UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2021
IB ISATE, GUECO, A CB AY, PEREZ, BER INGUEL, R IEL, H O,
Page No. 2; & FA JARDO LA W O FFI C ES
SUITE 210, 2ND FLOOR, THE WALK, CEBU I.T. PARK, LAHUG, CEBU CITY
Book III; MCLE COMPLIANCE NO. V-0006510; 02.27.18; PASIG CITY
PTR NO. 6666361; 01.12.20; CEBU CITY
Series of 2020. IBP NO. 1002882; 12.08.20; CEBU

ATTESTATION

I faithfully recorded the questions I asked GRACE DELA

CRUZ and the corresponding answers he gave me; neither I nor
any other person then present coached the said GRACE DELA
CRUZ regarding his answers.

ATTY. GEORLAN IBISATE

Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me, a Notary Public

for and in the Province/City of Cebu, on the 13th day of May,
2020, at Cebu City, by the said Atty. Georlan Ibisate, who is the
same person who personally signed before me the foregoing
Attestation and acknowledged that he executed the same and
exhibited to me his IBP Membership Card with Attorneys’ Roll No.
57421 issued by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

JANDI YANG
NOTARIAL COMMISSION NO. 072-10
NOTARY PUBLIC FOR AND IN THE
CITY OF CEBU
UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2021
IB ISATE GUEC O AC BA Y
PEREZ BER INGUEL R IEL H O &
FAJARD O L A W O FFI C ES
SUITE 210, 2ND FLOOR, THE WALK,
CEBU I.T. PARK, LAHUG, CEBU CITY
MCLE COMPLIANCE NO. V-0006459;
02.27.19; PASIG CITY
PTR NO. 6666359; 01.12.20; CEBU CITY
IBP NO. 1002876; 12.07.20; CEBU
ROLL OF ATTORNEYS’ NO. 34557
TIN 244.203.101.000
Doc. No. 03;
Page No. 02;
Book No. III;
Series of 2020.
Annex “A”

Annex “B”

1
Annex “C”

2
 Control No. 111111

CERTIFICATION OF A CHILD LEGALLY AVAILABLE

FOR ADOPTION

To Whom It May Concern:

This is to certify that child, Charles Santos, 2 years and 7

months old as of April 20, 2020, is legally available for adoption,
pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 9523.

Issued on the 20th day of April, 2020, Quezon CIty,

Philippines.

ROLANDO JOSELITO BAUTISTA

DSWD SECRETARY

Annex “D”

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 PRE-ADOPTION PLACEMENT AUTHORITY

The Department of Social Welfare and Development which is the welfare arm of
the Philippine Government hereby authorizes the placement of CHARLES SANTOS,
MALE, born on September 19, 2017 with THOMAS DELA CRUZ and GRACE DELA
CRUZ residing at 74-B R. Duterte Street, Banawa, Cebu City, Philippines effective
April 25, 2020 preparatory to adoption.

This placement is in accordance Republic Act 8552, Articles 183 and 184 of the
Family Code of the Philippines, EO 20 and the Adoption policy of the Department of
Social Welfare and Development, subject to the following conditions:

(a) The family shall be responsible for the care, safety, and welfare of the
child and shall report to the social worker handling the case,
periodically and any time, problem arises relative to placement of the
child.
(b) The family shall be visited by the Social Worker for the purpose of
determining the adjustment process of the child to the family and
extending social services and guidance in the care of said child by the
adoptive family.
(c) Said child could be removed from the family when placement no
longer meets her best interest and welfare, i.e. if the return of the
child to her natural or biological parents are indicated as in the case
when said child have not been issued a Certification Declaring a
Child as Legally Available for Adoption by the DSWD per RA 9523,
if the placement of the children are a failure, subject to the proper
management of the case with emphasis on the separation of the
children from the prospective adoptive family.
(d) Should adoption be approved by legal process, the final proceedings
shall take place in the court which has jurisdiction over the residence
of the adoptive family.

Based on MC No 007, series 2014 or amended Administrative Order No 11,

series of 2009, entitled “Omnibus Guidelines for Domestic Adoption Process”, Petition
for adoption by the Prospective Adoptive Parents through their legal counsel shall be
filed in the appropriate court not later than 30 days from the date of receipt of Pre-
Adoption Placement Authority and Affidavit of Consent to Adoption.

. REBECCA P. GEAMALA
Regional Director
DSWD-Field Office – Region 7

Date Issued: May 5, 2020

PAPA No.: 1092

CONFORME
We acknowledge the responsibility and conditions stipulated:

THOMAS DELA CRUZ MAY CARLETON

Adopting Father Social Worker

GRACE DELA CRUZ

Adopting Mother

Annex “E”

4
 CHILD STUDY REPORT
May 13, 2020

Family ID No.: 12345

I. Identifying Information

Name: Charles Santos

Birthdate: September 20, 2017
Gender: Male
Circumstance: found abandoned at the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu

II. Family Composition

UNKNOWN

III. Background Information

Charles Santos was found by Grace Dela Cruz abandoned as a newborn at the Basilica
Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu. The child was crying and shivering from the cold.

Said minor was admitted to the proper care and custody of the Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD for brevity) by the finder, Grace Dela Cruz. Her
mother and father are unknown.

IV. Medical and Developmental History of the Child

The manner of delivery is unknown since no family could be located.

As to the state of the minor child when found, the child was a newborn when he was
found. He was crying and shivering due to the cold and hunger.

V. Recommendation

The minor was deprived of parental love and care. Since the minor received certification
declaring them legally available for adoption, he shall be placed in a permanent home
through legal adoption at the soonest possible time.

Spouses Thomas and Grace Dela Cruz were found to be acceptable adoptive parents by
the DSWD. It is for the best interest of said minor if he would be considered as child of
said spouses because his financial, spiritual, and emotional needs would be taken care of
and his future would be safeguarded.

Prepared by:

MAY CARLETON
Social Worker
Annex “F”

5
 AFFIDAVIT OF CONSENT TO ADOPTION

I, Rebecca P. Geamala, Filipino, married, of legal age and with office address at
the Department of Social Welfare and Development, M.J. Cuenco Avenue corner
General Maxilom Avenue, Barangay Carreta, Cebu City, 6000, Cebu, after having been
duly sworn to in accordance with the law sayeth;

That, I am the Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and

Development VII of the Republic of the Philippines;

That, the child, Charles Santos, was born on September 19, 2017 at Cebu City,
Cebu, Philippines;

That, herein child was declared legally available for adoption by virtue of the
Certification Declaring a Child as Legally Available for Adoption with control number
111111 issued on April 20, 2020 by the DSWD Secretary per RA 9523;

That, the placement of the child with spouses Mr. Thomas Dela Cruz and Mrs.
Grace Dela Cruz of 74-B R. Duterte Street, Banawa, Cebu City, was approved by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development, located at M.J. Cuenco Avenue corner
General Maxilom Avenue, Barangay Carreta, Cebu City, 6000, Cebu, through the
issuance of Pre-Adoption Placement Authority (PAPA) on April 25, 2020.

That, per Social Case Study Report submitted by May Carleton, social worker of
DSWD, herein prospective adoptive parents have taken care of Charles Santos since
April 26, 2020. The child shows strong attachment with Mr. and Mrs. Dela Cruz, who
are ready to legalize the adoption of the child.

That in the view of the foregoing facts, I, as Regional Director of the Department
of Social Welfare and Development, in accordance with Article 188(2) of the Family
Code of the Philippines (Executive Order No. 209), do voluntarily consent to the
adoption of herein child Charles Santos by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Grace Dela Cruz.

That, the prospective adoptive parents shall initiate judicial proceeding by filing
the petition to adopt not later than 30 days from date of receipt of the Department’s
written consent to the adoption.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand on this 5th day of May, 2020.

REBECCA P. GEAMALA
Regional Director
DSWD-Field Office VII

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 5th day of May, 2020 in the
city of Cebu, Philippines. Affiant exhibited to me with valid Department of Social
Welfare and Development Identification Card issued on May 1, 2019 at Cebu City,
Philippines, bearing his/her picture and signature.

Doc. No. 5;
JOHN JOHN JOSEPH L. STO. TOMAS
Page No. 6; NOTARIAL COMMISSION NO.054-
Book No. III; JOSEPH L. 11
Series of 2020. STO. TOMAS NOTARY PUBLIC FOR AND IN THE CITY OF
CEBU UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2021
NOTARY
MCLE COMPLIANCE NO. V-0006522; 02.27.20; PASIG CITY
PUBLIC PTR NO. 6666362; 01.12.16; CEBU CITY
IBP NO. 1002882; 12.08.21;
ROLL OF ATTORNEYS’ NO. 57421
TIN 233.452.074.000
Annex “G”

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Annex “G”

7
8
Annex “H”

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Annex “I”

CEBU INSITUTE OF MEDICINE

Department of Human Resources
Cebu City

CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT

To Whom It May Concern:

This is to certify that GRACE DELA CRUZ, M.D., Ph.D., DPPS, FPFM,
DPPC is employed as PROFESSOR III of the College of Medicine since June 5, 2016.

This certification is being issued upon her request for whatever purpose it may
serve.

Given this 3rd day of May 2020 in Cebu City.

JOSEFINA T. LIGUTAN, M.D., Ph.D., MPH

Vice President

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Annex “J”

CHONG HUA MEDICAL CENTER

Human Resources Office
Cebu City

CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT

To Whom It May Concern:

This is to certify that GRACE DE LA CRUZ is employed as MEDICAL

DIRECTOR of CHONG HUA MEDICAL CENTER-Cebu City Hospital since March
5, 2016.

This certification is being issued upon her request for whatever purpose it may
serve.

Given this 3rd day of May 2020 in Cebu City.

JONATHAN L. DE GUZMAN, M.D., FPPS, DPFM

Vice President

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Annex “K”

12
Annex “L”

UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS

Human Resources Department
Cebu City

CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT

To Whom It May Concern:

This is to certify that Atty. THOMAS DE LA CRUZ, J.D., Ph.D. is employed

as PROFESSOR V of the College of Law since June 03, 2017.

This certification is being issued upon her request for whatever purpose it may
serve.

Given this 3rd day of May 2020 in Cebu City.

RAMONA G. DELGADO, RPm, RPsy, Psy.D.

Vice President

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Annex “M”

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Annex “N”

Joyce B. Garcia
Premium Lives Subdivision
75 R. Duterte Street,
Banawa, Cebu City
Cebu

30 April 2020

To whom it may concern:

Greetings!

I am writing this to express my unequivocal support of Spouses Thomas dela Cruz and
Grace dela Cruz as prospective adoptive parents.

I came to know the couple because we were childhood friends and good neighbors. I
attest that both Thomas and Grace are compassionate individuals who are capable of
nurturing and caring young children. When we were teenagers, we joined the Youth For
Christ where we advocate for children’s well-being especially their spiritual needs.
Thomas was then our team leader and we always do team-building every Sunday. I have
also witnessed first-hand Grace’s loving attention towards the children.

I was so happy when Thomas and Grace married. They are the most adorable couple I
have known. What I like the most is they help the less fortunate in times of difficult
situations. Thomas is a lawyer. Grace is a physician. Despite their busy schedules, they
always have time to help. When Yolanda wreaked havoc to several areas in Visayas, the
couple initiated a donation drive within our neighborhood to extend help to the victims.

I would be very excited to welcome the new baby boy in the neighborhood. It is my
strong desire that Thomas dela Cruz and Grace dela Cruz be able to expand their family
through adoption. They truly deserve to be parents, and any child would be lucky to have
them.

If you have any questions, you can reach me at my email address joyceg@gmail.com.
You can also reach me via mobile phone +639219700249.

Sincerely,

Joyce B. Garcia

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 Rev. Fr. Christian Torres
Basilica Minore del Sto Nino de Cebu
Pilgrim’s Center,
Osmena Blvd
Cebu

30 April 2020

To whom it may concern:

Greetings!

I am writing to attest to the character of Mr. Thomas Dela Cruz and Mrs. Grace Dela
Cruz, whom I have known for 8 years in my capacity as a reverend at Basilica Minore
del Sto Nino de Cebu.

Both spouses have been active members of our church, participating in donation drives
and other pastoral activities, especially those involving the youth. They never fail to
attend Sunday masses and are even members of the parish’s group of lectors. Both of
them may be very successful in their own fields, but they always make it a priority to
extend their time and services to the people of need.

The spouses also helped establish the diocese’s Day-care center, and seeing how they
treat and care for the kids, I am confident that they will be amazing parents and the child
will be showered with love and affection. The child will be filled with happiness and will
surely be a child of God.

Sincerely,

Rev. Fr. Christian Torres, SVD

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 Angela Patrimonio
Assistant Director
Lots of Love Foundation
21-D Salinas Dr, Cebu City,
Cebu

30 April 2020

To whom it may concern:

Good Day!

This letter is to express my support and also vouch for the characters of Mr. Thomas
Dela Cruz and Mrs. Grace Dela Cruz in their journey to becoming parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Dela Cruz have been helping support our shelter for the past 3 years. The
spouses are always one call away when we need assistance.

Aside from helping financially, they also spend time with the children in our care on
often. We see how they tend to the children and how attentive they are to their needs. I
am confident that they will be excellent parents, and their home will be filled with
laughter and love.

Both Thomas and Grace possess all the qualities of good parents, and I cannot wait to see
them with a child of their own.

Sincerely,

Angela Patrimonio

17
Annex “O”

18
Annex “P”

19
Annex “Q”

Republic of the Philippines

OFFICE OF BARANGAY CAPTAIN
Guadalupe, Cebu City

BARANGAY CLEARANCE

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

This is to certify that MR. THOMAS DELA CRUZ, 34 years old,

Filipino, is a resident of 74-B R. Duterte Street, Cebu City.

This is to certify that there is no pending criminal or civil case filed against
MR. THOMAS DELA CRUZ as per available records in our office.

This Barangay Clearance is issued upon his request to support his

application for ADOPTION OF A MINOR.

Done this 3rd day of May 2020, Banawa, Cebu City.

HON. MICHAEL GACASAN

Barangay Capt ain

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 Republic of the Philippines
OFFICE OF BARANGAY CAPTAIN
Guadalupe, Cebu City

BARANGAY CLEARANCE

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

This is to certify that MRS. GRACE DELA CRUZ, 32 years old,

Filipino, is a resident of 74-B R. Duterte Street, Cebu City.

This is to certify that there is no pending criminal or civil case filed against
MRS. GRACE DELA CRUZ as per available records in our office.

This Barangay Clearance is issued upon her request to support her

application for ADOPTION OF A MINOR.

Done this 3rd day of May 2020, Banawa, Cebu City.

HON. MICHAEL GACASAN

Barangay Capt ain

21
Annex “R”

HOME STUDY REPORT

NAME: Thomas Dela Cruz & Grace Dela Cruz

ADDRESS: 74-B R.Duterte St., Banawa, Cebu City

PHONE: 

0977-889-9922 (Thomas)

0917-123-4567 (Grace)

DATE OF MARRIAGE: January 05, 2015 (As stated in the marriage certificate)

CHILDREN IN HOME: none

REASON FOR HOME STUDY: Adoption of a minor child with change of name

DATES OF CONTACT:

May 12, 2020 - Couple interview in their home and individual interviews with Thomas
and Grace.

IDENTIFYING INFORMATION:

THOMAS GRACE
 
SOCIAL SECURITY
04-9876543-0 05-2345678-1
NUMBER:
DRIVER'S LICENSE
G08-13-001092 G09-45-098765
NUMBER:
DATE OF BIRTH: 06/20/1986 09/11/1988
PLACE OF BIRTH: Quezon City Manila
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Laws Doctor of Medicine
OCCUPATION: Lawyer Physician
University of SanCebu Institute of Medicine and
EMPLOYER:
Carlos Chong Hua Hospital
DATE OF MARRIAGE: January 5, 2015 Same
MARRIAGE PLACE: Cebu City Same
RELIGION: Roman Catholic Roman Catholic
AGE: 34 years 32 years
HEIGHT: 5 ft. 9 in. 5 ft. 2 in.
HAIR COLOR: Dark Brown Dark Brown
EYE COLOR: Dark Brown Dark Brown

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NATIONALITY FILIPINO FILIPINO
BODY STRUCTURE: Medium Bone Small Bone
COMPLEXION: Tan Fair

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Thomas and Grace requested this adoption home study to facilitate their approval to
become adoptive parents. The spouses desire to adopt Charles Santos, a minor child. The
initial interview for this home study was completed in their home with both spouses
present. They were interviewed together and individually.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF THOMAS DELA CRUZ

Thomas Dela Cruz was born on June 20, 1986 in Quezon City, Philippines. He is the
only child of Tony Dela Cruz and Janine Dela Cruz. His Father, age 65, is a lawyer, and
his mother, 62 years of age, is a retired teacher.

Thomas grew up in a very family-oriented environment. They all regularly attended

Sunday masses, where they were actively involved in both church and community
functions. Being a close knit group the entire family would attend any activity involving
another member. They also took vacations together. One of his favorite trips was their
family trip to Japan. As a young man he was encouraged to be involved with school
clubs and sports, as a result he had many friends. All his friends were always welcome in
their home to participate in the family's festivities.

Thomas states that his father was the main disciplinarian in the Dela Cruz household.
Discipline methods were time-outs and restriction of privileges. Thomas states that his
parents always made him feel secure. Thomas plans on raising his children in a similar
manner. He does not believe in spanking and will not use that form of discipline with his
children..

Thomas says he grew up in a wonderful and loving environment and hopes to provide
the same for his children. He is still very close to his family and they normally get
together every couple of weeks to have a pot-luck. He describes himself as an outgoing,
passionate, faithful, and caring man, who believes family is the most important thing in
life.

EDUCATION OF THOMAS DELA CRUZ

Thomas has a Bachelor of Political Science degree from the University of San Carlos. He
then proceeded to take up Law from the same university. He graduated with honors.

EMPLOYMENT OF THOMAS DELA CRUZ

Thomas is currently employed with the Dela Cruz Law Firm and he also teaches law
students at the Law Department of the University of San Carlos.

BACKGROUND OF GRACE DELA CRUZ

Grace Dela Cruz was born Grace Vera on September 11, 1988 in the City of Manila. She
is also an only child of Gene Vera (deceased) and Irene Vera, now 62 years old. Both
parents were professors and taught Economics in the University of the Philippines.

Grace grew up in a very religious family. They attended mass regularly and participated
in church-related and outreach activities. The family has a very close bond centered on
God.

23
Discipline in Grace's home was handled in a very loving and gentle manner. Grace states
that she does recall ever being spanked. Her parents would talk to her about her behavior
and together they would come up with a suitable method of discipline. Grace feels that
her parents did an excellent job of raising her and she hopes to be a similar type parent.
Grace does not believe in spanking and plans to use similar discipline techniques to what
she experienced as a child.

Grace's mother, Irene, now lives with the spouses in their home in Cebu.

EDUCATION OF GRACE DELA CRUZ

Grace graduated from Velez College with a degree in Medical Technology. She then
studied medicine in the Cebu Institute of Medicine.

EMPLOYMENT OF GRACE DELA CRUZ

Grace is currently a professor in the Cebu Institute of Medicine, and is also employed at
Chong Hua Hospital.

MARRIAGE OF THE DELA CRUZ SPOUSES

The spouses were married on January 5, 2015 in Cebu City. (Confirmed by marriage
certificate)

They met through a common friend when they were still college students. They dated
exclusively for a few years before they decided to tie the knot.

MOTIVATION AND ATTITUDES TOWARD ADOPTION

Grace has been diagnosed with PCOS, which makes it hard for her to conceive. The
couple has been trying for years, but still to no avail.

Both Thomas and Grace spoke with enthusiasm and joy when talking about Charles, the
minor child, and the adoption process as a whole. They are excited to become the legal
parents of Charles, who they love and adore like their own.

Family and friends are also supportive of their adoption decision. They understand that
adoption is a lifelong choice, and that as the years progress, they will need to continue to
learn and grow with in their understanding of adoption, along with their adopted child.

ADOPTION READINESS

The spouses have strong desires to become parents. They are eager to have Charles
become part of their family.

CHILD REARING PATTERNS/ FAMILY SUPPORT/ DISCIPLINE PLAN/

ADOPTION ISSUES

Thomas and Grace do not believe in hitting or screaming at children. They feel strongly
that time out, consequences and positive reinforcements as behavior modification
techniques work for changing unacceptable behaviors. They would discipline an older
child by implementing consequences, withdrawing privileges, and setting firm yet fair
limits, appropriate to the child's age and situation. They believe in disciplining without
harming self-esteem. They believe in discipline without anger. They jointly share in
childrearing and discipline, and provide a united parental unit. Thomas and Grace will
teach their child through example, and open and honest communication.

HOME AND COMMUNITY

Thomas and Grace own a house in one of the premier and safest subdivisions in Cebu.
Grace’s mother, Irene, is staying with them.

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Their home is located within a reasonable distance to medical facilities, schools, and fire
and police departments. There is a community pool and a sports club inside the
subdivision where Charles can develop not just his physical, but also social skills.

Their home is two stories. The first floor contains a living room, dining room, kitchen,
laundry room and half bath, and a small room that can be used as a playroom. The
second floor contains three bedrooms with walk in closets and a full bath. The home is
tastefully furnished and housekeeping standards are good. The home is well maintained
both inside and outside and provides a safe environment for children. There are smoke
detectors in all major rooms and a carbon monoxide detector on both floors of the home.
The spouses have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. There are no firearms in the home.
There is plenty of room for a growing family to flourish in this home. This social worker
has conducted a physical review of the home, and the checklist has been retained in their
permanent file.

The spouses own their home. They have lived at this address for the past year.
Information about their house bills can be found in the financial section of this report.

FAMILY LIFE/EXTENDED FAMILY/OTHER SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Thomas and Grace are very close with their families and friends. They often meet up and
have meals together. They also go on trips on holidays.

HEALTH OF THE SPOUSES

Thomas and Grace recently went to the hospital for full mental and physical
examinations.

Thomas is in perfect health, while Grace, as above stated has PCOS. However, she is
doing very well and is managing her diet and lifestyle. She now exhibits very little
symptoms of PCOS.

FINANCIAL

The spouses have a good amount of assets and since Thomas is a well-known lawyer,
and Grace is a physician, they are compensated richly for their services.

There is no doubt that they can support the minor child. The child would be able to
experience a comfortable and bountiful life.

RELIGION

The spouses are both devour Roman Catholics. They go to mass every Sunday and
participate in a lot of the church’s activities. They plan to also impart the teachings of the
Lord to Charles.

CHILD CARE PLAN

While the spouses are working, the child will be under the care of Grace’s mother, Irene.
Irene will also be assisted by a stay-in nanny.

When the spouses are home, Charles will be under their care and guidance

RECORDS CHECK

Thomas and Grace have no history of abuse or violence, alcoholism, drug addiction,
substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, or criminal record.

Their NBI, Police, and Barangay Clearances are also clear and free from any adverse

25
records.

CHARACTER REFERENCES

All 3 character references have been very good and supportive of the spouses’ plan to
adopt.

UNDERSTANDING ADOPTION

The spouses plan on discussing adoption with the child and will provide whatever
resources necessary to support their child through difficult adoption issues. They state
they realize that adoption is a lifelong process, and are committed to learning and
growing in their understanding of adoption as their child grows and develops.

IMPRESSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

Their decision to adopt is the result of many years of unsuccessful attempts at having a
biological family. Thomas and Grace are excited and comfortable with adoption as their
choice of family building. Their friends and family are emotionally supportive of this
decision. The spouses are financially stable and very much rooted within their
community. Their home environment is conducive to raising a family. It is felt that all
their child's needs would be adequately cared for.

Thomas and Grace are warm, mature and loving people with a strong moral and ethical
value system. Their behaviors are congruent with their personal and spiritual beliefs. A
child is very much wanted and will be very much loved by them. They acknowledge
adoption not only as a single event within their family but as an integral part of their
family's ongoing life cycle. It is with much pleasure that I approve Thomas and Grace
Dela Cruz be certified to adopt the minor child, Charles Santos.

Accomplished May 13, 2020.

MAY CARLETON
DSWD Social Worker

THOMAS DELA CRUZ

Adoptive Parent

GRACE DELA CRUZ

Adoptive Parent

26
Annex “S”

CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE IN PRE-

ADOPTION SEMINAR

To Whom It May Concern:

This is to certify that spouses Thomas and Grace

Dela Cruz have attended the pre-adoption seminar on April
24, 2020 at the DSWD Office.
Issued on the 2 nd day of May, 2020, Cebu City,
Philippines.

REBECCA GEAMALA
Regional Director
DSWD VII –Field Office

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