DSWD-8 Regional Director Grace Subong(center) delivers her message during the “Building Forever Families 2026” activity at Robinsons Tacloban on Sept. 28, emphasizing the role of families and communities in protecting children and strengthening community resilience. (Lizbeth Ann A.Abella)
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Eastern Visayas (DSWD-8) has called for stronger family and community support systems to protect children and help build resilient communities.
DSWD-8 Regional Director Grace Subong made the call during the “Building Forever Families 2026” activity held on Sept.28 at Robinsons Tacloban as part of the observance of National Family Week.
Subong said this year’s theme, “Pamilya, Pagkakapantay-pantay at Kapakanan ng Bata” (Family, Equality, and Child Wellbeing), highlights the shared responsibility of government, families and communities in protecting children and promoting their rights and welfare.
She said families should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of government assistance but as important partners in national development and community resilience.
“The DSWD does not view families simply as recipients of government assistance but as the bedrock of national resilience and our indispensable partner in development,” Subong said.
She cited the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Family Code, the Child and Youth Welfare Code, and the Early Childhood Care and Development Act as legal foundations for protecting family life and ensuring children’s rights, safety and holistic development.
Subong also highlighted several DSWD programs designed to support families and children.
These include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which promotes health and education and addresses gender equality and shared household responsibilities through Family Development Sessions; the Supplementary Feeding Program for young children; protective services for individuals and families in difficult circumstances; and the Sustainable Livelihood Program, which provides livelihood training and assistance to help families improve their financial stability.
She also cited specialized child welfare services that provide residential and community-based care and rehabilitation for vulnerable children.
Subong said the government cannot achieve equality and child wellbeing on its own, urging local government units, civil society organizations, faith-based groups and families to work together in creating homes where children are protected, respected and nurtured.
“Building a society characterized by equality and child wellbeing cannot be achieved by the government alone,” she said.
She urged families to use National Family Week as an opportunity to strengthen relationships and promote homes grounded in equity, mutual respect and care for children.
The “Building Forever Families 2026” activity was organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tacloban Philippines Stake, as part of its observance of National Family Week and its promotion of family-centered values.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
