THE City of San Fernando hosted Monday, September 23, the kick-off and opening celebration of 27th National Family Week.
Anchored on the theme "Tungo sa Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Pamilyang Pilipino," the celebration was initiated by the National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF), chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Mandated by Proclamation 60, signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos on September 28, 1992, the City of San Fernando, headed by Mayor Edwin Santiago, is host city to the 27th year celebration of National Family Week.
Santiago formally welcomed the delegates, including DSWD Secretary and NCFF Chairperson Rolando Joselito Bautista and Undersecretary for Policy and Plans and Alternate Chairperson of NCFF Luzviminda Ilagan.
In his welcome message, Santiago lauded the NCFF and DSWD for pushing the activity to strengthen the Filipino families. He said the local government has several actions to cultivate a positive and healthy family culture to thoroughly achieve the capital city's agenda "Pamilyang Fernandino: Mapag-aruga sa mga Bata, Mapagkalinga sa Matatanda at May Ispesyal na Pangangailangan."
"Here in the City of San Fernando, we continue to develop the total well being of the Fernandino families through our social, educational, and healthcare programs," said Santiago.
In an interview, Bautista expressed his gratitude to the local government unit of San Fernando for successfully hosting the event and for always supporting the DSWD's advocacies.
"Masaya kami at nagpapasalamat kay Mayor Santiago dahil pinaunlakan niya na mag host at idaos itong kick-off ng Family week," Bautista said.
Ilagan said the DSWD lined up various activities for the week-long celebration, including Family and Mental Health Forum, fun run, and search for the ideal Filipino family, among others.
She said Filipino families should know the importance of having quality time with one another, as they are the basic foundation of the society.
"Mahalaga na ipaalaala sa mga head ng pamilya na hindi lang earn ang kailangan, dapat mayroon ding values na maipapasa sa mga anak," she said.
Meanwhile, pursuant to announcement 53 s. 2019 on the 27th National Family Week Celebration, "all government agencies will allow their employees to go home at 2:00 pm to spend time with their families."
For the concluding part of the program, DSWD Assistant Secretary for Policy and Plans Joseline Niwane led the ceremonial ringing of the family bell, which marks the formal opening of the 27th National Family Week Celebration. (PR)