The National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF) chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently highlighted the International Day of Families through a forum which tackled bridging the gap between generations.
The International Day of Families is celebrated annually every 15th Day of May to reflect the importance of the family as a basic unit of society. This year’s celebration focused on the theme “Advancing Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity.”
Reflecting on the theme, Professor Josefina Q. Era of Miriam College discussed the changing family trends in the Philippines, focusing on the OFW and solo-parent phenomenon, and its impact on family relationships. Professor Era emphasized the importance of providing time and attention to children because “these are what really matters, not material things.” Moreover, she talked about the differences between the older (60 years old and above), “sandwhich” (early adulthood to midlife), and the adolescent generations, and how to bridge the gap between them, underscoring the need for respect and empathy. Reaching out, listening to and understanding the needs and concerns of each generation also foster harmonious intergenerational relationships.
The older generation should also refrain from constantly reminding the adolescent and “sandwhich” generations “noong panahon namin” (in our time) because times have truly changed, and the norms practiced in raising children then is no longer applicable today,” added Professor Era.
Professor Era also cited “Role Reversal” and “Global Parenting” or Online communications, as the common problems faced by families who are affected by the OFW phenomenon, concluding that grandparent-headed and youth-headed homes in the absence of the mother, father or solo parent, upset the structure of Filipino families. Citing figures based on a 2011 census by the National Statistics Office (NSO) showed that there are 2.2M OFWs working around the globe, while there are 13.9 million solo parents nationwide comprising 14 to 15 percent of the Philippines’ population of 94 million.
Representing the older generation, Mrs. Salvacion Baciana of Confederation of Older Persons of the Philippines, a retired teacher narrated how the OFW phenomenon affected her brother’s relationship with his children. “Although he was able to provide for his children’s needs, it created a gap between them,” Mrs. Baciana stated.
Ms. Nory dela Cruz, a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary and grandmother related how her grandchild was able to go to school through the program. “Malaking tulong po sa amin ang Pantawid Pamilya, lalo na po ang pag-aatend namin ng Family Development Sessions, marami akong natutunan kung paano mag-alaga at magpalaki ng mga bata,” (The program is a big help to us especially our regular attendance to the Family Development Sessions, which taught me how to bring up and take care of children), she shared.
On the other hand, Dr. Josefina Pineda of the University of the Philippines, Diliman underscored the importance of deep spiritual foundation to enable “real transformation from within.”
Participants from different government agencies and local government units, such as the Departments of Agriculture (DA), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Health (DOH), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), and Taguig LGU, together with non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs), COPAP, CCFI, Solo Parents Confederation of Bulacan, Nain Foundation, and Philippine Missionary Fellowship (PMF), attended the half-day forum.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Teodulo Romo reiterated the significance of celebrating the International Day of Families, at the same time mentioning the integration of solo parents in the activities and programs of the DSWD and NCFF. ###
