The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 02 spearheaded the week-long celebration of the National Family Week with its theme “Unity Across Generations: A Strong Family, A Strong Society” or “Nagkakaisang Henerasyon: Matatag Na Pamilya, Matatag na Lipunan” from September 20 to 27, 2013.

A kick-off program was held last September 19, 2013 at People’s Gymnasium, Tuguegarao City in coordination with its Local Government Unit and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office respectively.

The event was jam-packed with representatives from different Regional Lined Agencies, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and family beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from the 43 barangays of the city.

In her message, Assistant Regional Director for Administration Delia Sto. Tomas gave praise to the Filipino family for being strong amid crisis and calamities. She also enjoined everyone to start creating a family that will embody good Filipino values. “Sama-sama tayong bumuo ng isang matatag na pamilya at lumikha ng isang lipunan na maipagmamalaki natin bilang mga Pilipino, hindi lang tayo na nabubuhay sa kasalukuyan kundi lalo na ng mga pamilya sa susunod pang henerasyon,” she said.

Since the festivity honors the Filipino families, Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries took the center stage and showcased their dancing and singing skills in the “Family’s Got Talent” Contest wherein winning families were awarded with cash prizes.

Presidential Proclamation No. 60 declared the observance of the National Family Week on the last week of September and every year thereafter.

THANK YOU PANTAWID PAMILYA

The Opening Program was attended by almost 200 family beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Tuguegarao City.

In a testimony shared by Mrs. Glomeline Taguinod, who is also a Parent Leader from Brgy. Dadda, she expressed how grateful their family is for being one of the beneficiary of the poverty-alleviation project.

“Napakalaking tulong ang naibibigay ng Pantawid Pamilya samin kasi may kaagapay na kami sa pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan n gaming mga anak. Pero higit pa dun sa tulong pinansyal, dahil sa programa, mas naging matatag ang aming pamilya dahil kaming mag-asawa ay mas naging responsible,” said Mrs. Taguinod.

She also said that the program gives higher hopes to the fulfillment of their children’s dreams.

Pantawid Pamilya is currently implemented in the 4 cities and 83 municipalities in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya. As of now, there is a total of 94, 315 household beneficiaries in Region II.

TIPON-TIPAN GOES TO CSAP COMMUNITY

Another highlight of the festivity was the staging of Tipon-Tipan at the Core Shelter Assistance Project (CSAP) Site at Brgy. Mozzozin, Sta. Maria, Isabela on September 24, 2013.

The panelists during the media forum were Mr. Marciano Dameg, Institutional Development Division (IDD) Chief representing DSWD; Ms. Rosana Calimahuyan representing Commission on Population (PopCom); Alexis Arturo Anza, Executive Assistant representing the Local Government Unit of Santa Maria; Ms. Consorcia Viernes, MSWDO; and the Presidents of the Neighborhood Assistance Shelter Association (NASA) of Phase 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

The forum dwelt on the program of the government in promotion and protection of the Filipino family’s welfare.

Division Chief Marciano Dameg emphasized that DSWD continues to implement programs which will cater to the needs of the Filipino values. He cited the conduct of Family Development Sessions (FDS) for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program wherein parent beneficiaries are taught about Effective Parenting, Husband and Wife Relationship, Child Development, among others.

NASA Presidents also thanked the DSWD, the government and other agencies for their unwavering commitment to uplift the lives and well-being of the poor Filipino families.

CSAP is one of the rehabilitation projects of the national government implemented by DSWD to immediately provide shelter to families whose houses were totally damaged and blown down during disasters.

Meanwhile, the Tipon-Tipan is a weekly media forum spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region II which is attended and covered by local media practitioners in the region. It is also aired live in many radio stations and cable TV stations.

The media forum culminated with a “Pista sa Nayon”-themed program wherein CSAP beneficiaries also rendered intermission numbers.

During lunch, representatives from the different regional lined agencies, LGU, members of the Media and the CSAP beneficiaries happily ate together in a boodle-fight. ### By MARICEL B. ASEJO, Pantawid Information Officer II