DSWD highlights family protection, interfaith partnership in 2026 Family Forum

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) underscored the importance of strong families in protecting children and building peaceful communities during the 2026 Interfaith Family Forum held as part of the observance of National Family Week at the University of the Philippines Bonifacio Global City on Tuesday (September 29).

Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez of the DSWD’s Operations Group delivered a special message during the forum, along with personnel from the Protective Services Bureau (PSB) as the Department’s focal office for family protection and child welfare concerns.

Undersecretary Romualdez emphasized that peace begins at home, where children first learn love, respect, compassion, and forgiveness.

The DSWD official also noted that safe and nurturing families provide children with a stronger foundation for confidence and resilience while serving as an important line of protection against abuse, neglect, and violence.

“For the DSWD, strengthening families and protecting children are closely connected,” Undersecretary Romualdez said, stressing that families cannot address these concerns alone and need the support of schools, communities, government agencies, civil society, and faith organizations.

The Operations Group undersecretary also called for a stronger interfaith and multisectoral cooperation in promoting child protection and family well-being.

“Hindi kailangang magkakapareho ang ating paniniwala upang magkaisa sa pagprotekta sa mga bata, pagpapalakas sa mga pamilya, at pagtataguyod ng kapayapaan,” Undersecretary Romualdez said.

Regional Trial Court of Marikina City Executive Judge and RTC Branch 273 Presiding Judge Romeo Tagra, delivered the keynote speech which was followed by a plenary discussion on family well-being, child welfare, and peacebuilding.

The plenary brought together representatives from the religious, health, peace-building, and academic sectors for a discussion on families, child well-being, and peace.

Among the panelists were Most Reverend Jose Alan Dialogo, D.D., Bishop of Sorsogon and Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP); Dr. Renz Christian Argao, President and CEO of Argao Health Inc. and Deputy Secretary General of Religions for Peace Philippines, and Coordinator of the Religions for Peace International Youth Committee; and Atty. Salma Pir Rasul, Programs Director of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) and Director of Islamic Law Studies at the University of the Philippines Law Center.

The multi-faith forum was jointly organized by the Archdiocese of Manila, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the National Committee on the Filipino Family, UniHarmony Partners Manila, and Religions for Peace Philippines.

The gathering brought together leaders from different sectors to strengthen collaboration in promoting family well-being, protecting children, and creating safer and more supportive communities. (KLLM)
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