LEADERS and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) on Monday, September 24, kicked off this year’s “National Family Week” celebration in Tacloban City with various activities focusing on strengthening and supporting the Filipino families.
The celebration, which runs from September 24-30, is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 60 issued on September 28, 1992 by then President Fidel Ramos.
The event aims to “increase awareness on various family issues; enhance effectiveness of national and local efforts to carry out specific programs concerning families by generating new programs concerning families by generating new activities and strengthening existing ones; and promote collaboration among national and local non- governmental organizations in support of multi-sectoral activities.”
“Tacloban City cannot be any greater than the families that comprise it. As we promote family values and solidarity among family members, we help promote the City,” said Pedro Bimbo Tan, the second counselor in Tacloban stake.
In a press briefing, Tan showed their various Church programs which give emphasis on preserving the Filipino family, particularly in the current socio-economic set up in the country and in the world.
Tan said their Church promotes “Family History and Genealogy” through the application “FamilySearch.org,” one of the most heavily used genealogy sites available on the Internet for free.
Accordingly, the LDS Church “hosts the largest shared collection of genealogical records in the whole world.”
The application FamilySearch maintains a collection of records, resources, and services designed to help people learn more about their family history, it said.
Another is the “Family Home Evening Program” during Monday evenings “to strengthen family ties.”
“We do this by learning the gospel together, having time to enjoy each other’s company through simple activities like holding games or sharing talents. This is done to create connections and build unity,” Tan said.
Also, they have the Church Welfare and Self-Reliance Program and LDS Family Services.
The LDS Family Service, a private and nonprofit organization established by their church, provides support services on individual, marital and family counseling; addiction recovery program such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, coffee and tea, gambling, pornography, inappropriate sexual behavior, codependency and disorders associated with eating; and consultation with Church leaders “to assist Church leaders as they work with members of their congregations who are dealing with social or emotional challenges.”
“We can lessen social ills, and drug addiction can be solved if we go back to the God-inspired view of the sacredness of the family. That is where we can find real strength,” added Joy Alban, director of Tacloban Institute of Religion.
Meanwhile, Jordan Villarmino, first counselor in Tacloban stake, said that family issues at home can be solved if the members will focus on finding a solution instead of criticism.
He cited the importance of spending quality time with family members to combat the disruption due to the overuse of social media.
In line with this year’s National Family Week’s theme “Tungo sa Maginhawa, Matatag, at Panatag na Pamilyang Pilipino,” Tacloban First Ward Bishop Mark Espedilla also said that they will be holding food and business bazaar, skills training and other self-reliance seminars to answer the socio-economic needs of the families in the City. (SunStar Philippines)