The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF) in partnership with the city government of Valenzuela will conduct today the 3rd National Family Conference to tackle emerging issues affecting the Filipino household.

Some 200 family advocates from the NCFF member-agencies and representatives of local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila are expected to participate in the activity.

The event will start with a welcome remarks by Valenzuela First District Representative Sherwin T. Gatchalian, followed by a message from DSWD Assistant Secretary Teodulo R. Romo, the NCFF Alternate Chairperson.

The objective of the family conference is to come up with policy guidelines which can help the Filipino family remain resilient and prepared in times of disasters. The policy will be advocated for replication of all NCFF member agencies and the LGUs.

The main topic for discussion is disaster management. This will be presented by Dr. Metodio A. Palaypay, Chair of the Social Research Development Committee and Green Program of the Community Chest Foundation, an NCFF member-agency.

Aside from this, other emerging issues on the family will be discussed. This includes child pornography to be tackled by Alex Ramos of Angel Net Foundation. His talk will focus on reports about children being sold in pornography by their own parents.

Another prevailing social issue affecting the family is drug addiction. Undersecretary Rommel Garcia of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) will delve on the evils of drug and substance abuse.

Likewise, the topic on how to protect the family within the community will be handled by Retired General Cesar Ronnie Ordojo of the AFP Southern Luzon Command.

Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman recognizes that the family is the most basic and significant unit in our society.

“It is important that we protect Filipino families and ensure that we help them face emerging issues affecting them,” Sec. Soliman said.

The conduct of a National Family Conference is part of the yearly National Family Week Celebration observed every fourth week of September in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 60 signed in 1992. ###