The Filipino family takes centerstage from Sept. 21 to 27 with the celebration of the 28th National Family Week on Sept. 21-27.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which chairs the National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF), appealed to all public and private sectors to work together towards strengthening the solidarity and stability of Filipino families.
The department also urged the public to help address the problems hounding the Filipino households during this time of the pandemic crisis, which include unplanned pregnancies, loss of jobs and gender-based violence.
The 28th National Family Week on Sept. 21 to 27 will have the theme “Tungo sa Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Pamilyang Pilipino.”
“The department, together with all the members of the NCFF, will continue to work together to uphold the values of Filipino families and to support and empower them to withstand the many issues and challenges they face, especially in the midst of the pandemic, the DSWD said in a statement.
It will kick off the weeklong celebration on September 21 with a nationwide ringing of bells dubbed as “Ring a Family Bell” to be simultaneously done at 9 a.m. in all government agencies.
This is a symbol of nationwide awareness and commitment to commemorate the solidarity and unity of the Filipino families, it said.
According to the DSWD, a virtual kick-off is expected and will be livestreamed on its official Facebook page on the same day.
The National Family Week is a yearly celebration held every fourth week of September pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 60 issued on September 28, 1992.
The DSWD said the NCFF adopted the the sub-theme, "Mapagkalingang Pagtugon at Proteksyon sa Bawat Pamilyang Pilipino Mula sa Mga Suliranin sa Gitna ng Pandemyang COVID-19 to cite the need for all concerned stakeholders to provide Filipino families "with compassionate response on economic shocks and protection from violence in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
During the Family Week celebration, the public can expect an online Interfaith Family Forum by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), on Sept. 23.
The City of Manila, the host LGU for the 28th National Family Week, will hold a webinar in partnership with Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). The webinar will zero in on strengthening family relationships through responsible parenting and positive discipline.
On Sept. 26, the Commission on Population (POPCOM), an active member of the NCFF, will host a talk show which will discuss the myths and misconceptions on family planning to help address the issue of unplanned pregnancies during the quarantine period.
“The NCFF will also utilize various online platforms to promote the celebration and to advocate for stronger and protected Filipino families through the #ProtekadongPamilyaSaCOVID-19 social media campaign,” the DSWD said.
The Department said it is enjoining Filipino families to observe the “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day” which is held in conjunction with the Family Week
“The Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day emphasizes the importance of having a common family meal to encourage parents to stay connected with their children and understand the challenges they face,” it said.
The Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day is declared every fourth Monday of September pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 326, series of 2012.