Families nationwide are urged to celebrate the National Family Week from September 20-26.
“This is an opportune time to strengthen family unity and relationships especially for those families who went through difficult times because of the series of disasters,” Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said.
The National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF), chaired by DSWD and composed of member-agencies of the government, non-government organizations, and faith-based groups, will spearhead the celebration.
This year’s event carries the theme “Celebrating the Filipino Families: Resilient and Caring” which gives recognition to the Filipino families’ indomitable spirit and compassion, to which the Philippines is globally known for.
The event is a yearly celebration in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 60 signed on September 28, 1992 and Executive Order No. 241 dated June 9, 1995.
The NCFF has lined up various activities to mark the weeklong event.
In recognition of the emerging issues being faced by the Filipino family, DSWD will conduct the 3rd Family Conference on September 24 in Valenzuela City. Family advocates from different government agencies, local government units, and civil society organizations will come together and discuss issues such as family disaster preparedness, child pornography, and influence of drugs in the family, among others.
Also a highlight of the Family Week celebration is the program recognizing model Filipino families through the Huwarang Pamilyang Pilipino Awards to be held on September 26 at Valenzuela City.
Culminating the event is a Family Day Caravan on September 28 (Sunday) at the Philippine Sports Arena, Pasig City from 10:00am-12:00nn.
The caravan, with the theme “Sama-samang Pagdiriwang ng Magandang Pagbabago sa Buhay ng Pamilyang Pilipino” is a simultaneous gathering of family-beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from different regions nationwide.
It pays tribute to the resilient Pantawid Pamilya families who never lost hope amid challenges, proving that poor families when given the opportunity can indeed help themselves improve their lives.
The NCFF also supports the observance of the “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day”every 4th Monday of September as declared by Presidential Proclamation No.326 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino in January 2012. This enjoins all families to spend meal times together with their members. ###
