Region Eight starts celebrating today, September 26 the nationwide observance of the National Family Week, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 60 which declares the last week of September as National Family Week. MetroManila and other regions of the country have observed a week ahead.

The DSWD, being the chair of the inter-agency committee on the Filipino Family at the national and regional levels, is tasked to spearhead the weeklong celebration.

Said DSWD Field Office Eight Director Leticia Diokno, “this year’s commemoration is without much fanfare, but a challenging one,” referring to the theme – “Confronting Family Poverty and Social Exclusion,” or in Filipino – “Hamon sa Pamilyang Filipino, Kahirapan ay Tugunan, Pagkapantay-pantay ay Makamtan.” “Member – agencies are expected today to hang streamers, and to hold their own activities within the week, “ Diokno further stated.

She stressed that the theme underscores the importance of family in nation – building and in combating poverty as well.   Simultaneous fora on Strengthening Family Relationships, by way of the Family Development Sessions (FDS), will be held throughout the PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO PROGRAM (PANTAWID PAMILYA) areas of the region to give value to this national celebration.

Director Diokno bared that the FDS is a regular activity among parents of PANTAWID PAMILYA grantees at the barangay level, designed to expand their knowledge and enhance their skills at parenting. The purpose is for them to appreciate and comply the health and education conditionalities of this program, which goal is to alleviate poverty by providing cash subsidy to the poorest households to improve their health, nutrition and education, especially of children ages 0 to 14 years.

Meanwhile, Lolit Dadap who heads the Social Protection Unit of the DSWD Field Office, reported that there will be a forum on family – related laws such as Republic Act 9344 (The Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006) and Republic Act 9231 (The Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor Act) on September 30, at the Department of Interior and Local Government regional office conference hall. About 250 participants composed of employees of the DSWD Field Office, as well as member-agencies of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on the Filipino Family, and parent – leaders of the PANTAWID PAMILYA, are expected to attend this gathering.

It will also tackle on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, said Dadap, adding that the Philippines averages to five cases daily.