Representing the country during the recently concluded 5th East Asia Ministerial Forum on Families (EAMFF) held at Brunei Darussalam, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman affirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to the total development of families and to ensure work-family balance among Filipino families. The Secretary also emphasized that the Philippine Government has steadfastly implemented programs, policies and services for the family sector.
The Secretary reported during the forum the different initiatives of government for Filipino families, starting with the implementation of the National Decade Plan for the Filipino Family (NDPFF) for 2005-2015 formulated by the National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF), the official body chaired by the DSWD tasked to oversee the welfare of the family sector.
The NDPFF encapsulates the country’s policy framework, goals, strategies and the different programs of government agencies, non-government agencies, civic and faith-based organizations for the Filipino family.
Among the programs presently implemented, most noted is the Conditional Cash Transfer known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Pantawid Pamilya provides grants to poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education, particularly of children aged 0-14. To date, more than 3 million families are receiving cash grants of as much as P1,400 per month provided that they comply with the conditions to send their children to schools and health centers for check-up.
Pantawid Pamilya contributes to the promotion of gender equity and children’s rights through the Family Development Sessions (FDS) attended by parents. Parent effectiveness which teaches families good family relations and the value of managing household finances is dicussed during FDS.
To ensure work-family balance, the Secretary reported to the body that the Philippines has various family-oriented laws and policies such as the Solo Parents Welfare Act which provides seven days parental leave for single parents; the Magna Carta for Women which affirms the role of women in nation-building and ensures the substantive equality of men and women; the Labor Code; Memorandums issued by the Civil Service Commission on full-flexi time schedule and maternity leave policy; and the establishment of day care centers and breastfeeding centers in government offices.
Knowing the need to continuously raise the awareness of the public in promoting the values of Filipino families, the Philippine Government declared the observance of an annual National Family Week celebration every 4th week of September. This year, the observance focused on the theme “Ensuring Work-Family Balance,” which was adopted from the theme of the International Day of Families celebrated globally in May.
Secretary Soliman said that the Aquino government recognizes the challenges being faced by every family, which include establishing a work-family balance way of life, poverty, migration, and modern technology.
Secretary Soliman recommended the following to address these challenges: undertake researches which will serve as basis for evidence-based work-family balance policies and programs; share knowledge about good practices in work-family balance being implemented and advocated for by Governments, private sector, civil society and academic institutions; promote professional support and advice and efforts to create a more family-friendly culture in the workplace; encourage wide-ranging consultation and partnerships between employers, trade unions and employees to promote better understanding of the importance of work-family reconciliation to improve the well-being of families; and encourage study tours or learning visits between and among governments.
Secretary Soliman strongly reiterates that “families are the treasure of every nation. The family’s development directly and significantly affects the progress of a country. Hence, governments must work towards protecting and nurturing the family sector so it can eventually contribute to a nation’s economic and social success.” ###
