Two families who survived the wrath of Typhoon Yolanda were the main speakers during a forum organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to mark the International Day of Families on May 15.

The Padoc Family of Basey, Samar, and the Ambrosio Family of Roxas City, Capiz shared their stories of survival and recovery  giving meaning to this year’s theme of the celebration which was “ Celebrating Filipino Families: Resilient and Caring”.

Criselda Padoc  said that  their  source of livelihood and  house were destroyed by ‘Yolanda’.

Despite this, Criselda, who was crippled at the age of 10, also due to a typhoon, stressed that families affected by ‘Yolanda’ or any other calamity must not lose hope.

She added, “Pamilya ko ang aking lakas (My family is my strength).”

For their  part, the Ambrosio Family is thankful that they remained complete even after their house was destroyed by ‘Yolanda’.

The Ambrosios  enjoin their fellow survivors saying,  “’Wag mawawalan ng pag-asa, magiging maayos din ang lahat (Do not lose hope, everything will turn out right eventually).”

DSWD Assistant Secretary Teodulo R. Romo, in his message said, “The theme, which is an adaptation of the global theme, is timely as we laud the resiliency of Filipino families during the recent occurrences of disasters.”

Further, families volunteering their time and resources during the disaster operations, as well as in opening their homes to survivors of Typhoon Yolanda affirm the caring nature of Filipino families.

Other resource persons  during the forum which was attended  by 150 family-advocates were:  Dennis dela Torre of the Climate Change Commission who discussed the “Effects of Climate Change on  Filipino Families”; Thelma Barrera of the National Center for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support  who shared her knowledge on the “Resiliency of the Filipino”; and,   Asst. Sec. Romo, who tackled the “Strength of Filipino Volunteerism”.

Each year, May 15 is observed worldwide as the International Day of Families based on the proclamation of the United Nations General Assembly in 2003.

In the Philippines, the observance is led by the National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF)  with members composed of government agencies, such as  Department of the  Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), faith-based organizations, and non-government organizations, such as Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, Pro-Life Philippines, and Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, among others. ###