Legazpi City—The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V has commenced with the observance and celebration of the 27th Family Week last September 23, 2019.

As part of the Memorandum from the DSWD Secretary, the DSWD FO V observed two (2) important activities last September 23, 2019 to launch the 27th Family Week Celebration. The DSWD FO V rang the family bells at exactly 12 noon and dismissed work at 3:00 PM to observe the “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day” to allow employees to spend mealtime with their families.

The theme of this year’s family week: “Tungo sa Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Pamilyang Pilipino.” It envisions better initiatives to strengthen the Filipino Family. The theme follows the Ambisyon Natin 2040 set forth by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) representing the collective long-term vision and aspiration of the Filipino people for themselves and for the country.

“We want to strengthen the relationship among family members to lessen social problems. The DSWD has programs including 4Ps to reinforce our values at home,” DSWD Dir. Arnel Garcia said.

DSWD FO V as the lead agency of the Family Week, will conduct threefold events on September 27, 2019 at A & A Bed and Breakfast Inn, Legazpi City in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit (LGU) of Albay. Almost 150 participants from families all over the province of Albay will join in the celebration.

There will be a Parents’ Forum in the morning that includes discussions about Positive Parenting by DSWD and Child Safety at Home by the Department of Health (DOH). Moreover, a Family Fun Day which is scheduled in the afternoon is comprised of games and contests that will give time for the families to bond. A total cash prize of PhP63,890 will be given away to the Family Fun Day winners.

Similarly, the Regional Winners of the 2019 Huwarang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will be recognized in the afternoon. The Palima Family of Nabua, Camarines Sur is the 2019 Regional Huwarang 4Ps who will receive PhP15,000 and plaque of recognition. The Barceta Family of Catanduanes is the first runner-up with PhP10,000 while the Perez Family of Sorsogon is the second runner-up with PhP5,000.

The Huwarang 4Ps families were judged based on the following criteria:
1. 25%-A family that maintains strong family ties and harmonious relationships and upholds Filipino values despite the challenges that poverty causes/brings.
2. 20%-A family that practices and promotes healthy living and taking care of the environment.
3. 20%-A family that is actively involved in community activities.
4. 20%-A family who inspires other members of the community.
5. 15%-A family who strives to improve living condition amidst difficult situation.

The Palima Family will represent Bicol Region in the National 4Ps Family Day this weekend in Manila.

On September 30, 2019, the members of the media in Albay will visit the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) to witness the Family Day for the kids in the said facility. There will also be a forum about Adoption and Foster Care.

As mandated by Executive Order No. 238, the DSWD chairs the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on the Filipino Family (RIAC-FF) with different members from public and private sectors. The committee seeks to strengthen family unity and relationships through meaningful celebration and promotion of Family values. It also aims to implement responsive services and popularize family-centric programs and services at the grassroots level.