DSWD highlights family social protection, parent empowerment at 2026 National Family Week closing
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) capped the 2026 National Family Week celebration with a commitment to reinforce social protection programs and family support systems during a culminating activity at the New City Hall Convention Center in Taguig City on Saturday (October 3).
Anchored on the theme “Pamilya, Pagkakapantay-pantay, at Kapakanan ng Bata,” the culminating activity follows the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen government interventions for social protection, child welfare, and human development.
“This theme reminds us that the well-being of children is closely linked to the conditions of the families caring for them. When parents have the support, with the knowledge and resources they need, they are better able to provide care, guidance, and opportunities for their children,” Asst. Secretary Ada Colico said as she delivered the message of Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Saturday.
To support vulnerable households across the country, the DSWD continues to implement essential interventions such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) along with crisis assistance, livelihood opportunities, and community-driven development services.
“Lagi sinasabi ni Secretary Rex na ‘the best way to combat this is in the home — stronger family, stronger parenting, the home must be the first line of protection and growth,” Asst. Secretary Colico pointed out.
Under the leadership of Secretary Gatchalian, the DSWD has conducted the Parent Effectiveness Service (PES) training in Tacloban, Zamboanga, and SOCCSKSARGEN to equip parents with essential skills in child care and protection.
“Kapag mas matatag ang magulang, mas matatag ang pamilya, at kapag mas matatag ang pamilya, mas may matibay na sandigan ang ating mga bata,” Asst. Secretary Colico said.
The activity served as a multi-sectoral collaboration among various local government units (LGUs), the National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF), and the DSWD Field Office (FO) National Capital Region (NCR).
“At the DSWD, we see how supporting families can help create better opportunities for children, and when families are given the support they need, they are better able to give their children the care and guidance they deserve,” Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez said in her video message.
As chair of the NCFF, the DSWD reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining policies and community-based programs that safeguard child well-being and foster long-term family resilience across the nation. (KI)