September 30, 2022
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI, through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), celebrated the 30th National Family Week (NFW) in some satellite offices in Davao Region, from September 28 -29, 2022, with the theme, “Urbanisasyon at Pamilyang Pilipino: Magkaagapay sa Pagpapatibay at Pagpapaunlad ng Bansa.” During the said observance, the program conducted a series of activities strengthening the unity and relationship of the household beneficiaries while preserving Filipino values.
The first to conduct their activities for the NFW celebration was Davao City Operations Office (DCOO) led by Provincial Link Ruel Lagulao. DCOO team started the celebration by conducting a lecture-seminar with the program’s partner, the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) last September 28, 2022, in Brgy. Indangan, Davao City. The activity was participated by 40 beneficiaries. The lecture seminar focused on the lecture on reproductive health discussed by the FPOP’s program manager, Ms. Hermihilda Escalante. Another lecture topic was also led by the Family Development Session Specialist from the 4Ps Regional Program Management Office (RPMO), Ms. Evangeline L. Grandeza.
Aside from the lecture seminars, each beneficiary also received 5 kilograms of rice and school supplies sponsored by another program’s partner, the Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
Furthermore, FPOP also provided a “safety pantry,” where the beneficiaries could avail or bring with them some contraceptives, birth controls, and other materials that can help ensure the reproductive health of the couple beneficiaries. Some mini-games were also enjoyed by the attendees as well as some snacks that were provided by the local officials from District 2 of Davao City.
Next, to conduct their activities for the said NFW observance was the Davao de Oro Operations Office led by Provincial Link Ma. Salome A. Huelar, together with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) led by PSWDO Josephine M. Frasco. Both offices initiated different family activities that started last September 27, 2022.
Following the said activities was the culmination program held last September 29, 2022, at the Children’s Park, Capitol Complex, Nabunturan. It was attended by several Pantawid Pamilya household beneficiaries that represented the different municipalities of the province. These families were organized and facilitated by their 4Ps Municipal Links.
Moreover, the program was graced by DSWD Field Office XI, Administrative Services Division Chief, Ms. Merlinda A. Paragamac. The honorable speaker shared her views as a social worker, a parent, and a public servant on how families must cope with urbanization and modernization in this present time.
Aside from the program proper, different activities were also enjoyed by the family such as the poster-making contest, some parlor games, and races. Free meals and sweet treats were also consumed by the participants.
The entire celebration of Davao de Oro ended by awarding the provincial winners of the Pantawid Pamilya’s Salaysay ng Buhay Writing Competition. Two of the provincial winners won the regional level of the competition, namely, Victoria C. Kuan for the Salaysay ni Inay Category and Rachelle Mae M. Delgado for the Sa Mata ng Batang 4Ps Category of the said competition.
With the abovementioned activities, DSWD XI, 4Ps, and its multi-stakeholders – the beneficiaries and the partners celebrated the National Family Week meaningfully and fruitfully. The offices hoped that through these efforts, families, not only the beneficiaries will be more active citizens and create harmonious family lives.
National Family Week is an annual celebration held every fourth week of September pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 60 issued on September 28, 1992. ####