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)
The Bible and History: How leaders go astray
Leading is a sacred trust.
Whether in government, business, education, or community service, leaders are expected to promote the welfare of those they serve. Yet history and scripture alike reveal a recurring truth: power can either inspire virtue or corrupt character. While some leaders have fallen into disgrace because of greed and abuse of authority, others have found redemption by embracing humility, accountability, and genuine service.
The Bible provides powerful examples of both the rise and fall of leaders. One of the most notable is King Saul, Israel’s first king. Saul began his reign as a humble and promising leader chosen by God. However, power gradually led him to pride, disobedience, and jealousy. Instead of focusing on God’s will and the welfare of his people, Saul became consumed by preserving his position. His downfall illustrates how a leader can lose legitimacy when personal ambition overtakes moral responsibility.
Similarly, King David, although remembered as a great king, experienced a serious fall from grace when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged the death of her husband, Uriah. Unlike Saul, however, David acknowledged his wrongdoing when confronted by the prophet Nathan. He expressed sincere repentance and sought forgiveness. Although he suffered consequences for his actions, his story demonstrates that genuine reform and moral recovery are possible when leaders admit their failures and seek to change.
Another Biblical example is King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and prosperity. Despite his remarkable achievements, Solomon gradually allowed wealth, privilege, and worldly influences to distract him from his principles. His story warns that even the wisest leaders can lose their way when success breeds complacency and moral compromise.
These Biblical narratives find parallels in modern political life. In the Philippines, several leaders rose to prominence with great public support but later faced controversies that tarnished their reputations. The administration of President Joseph Estrada, for instance, began with significant popularity among ordinary Filipinos. However, allegations of corruption eventually led to his ouster through the EDSA II movement. His experience illustrates how public trust, once lost, can be difficult to regain.
The Philippine experience also offers examples of leaders who sought reform and redemption. While not all public figures completely transformed their image, some leaders who faced criticism or controversy later pursued programmes and actions aimed at rebuilding public trust. Such efforts remind us that leadership is not defined solely by one’s mistakes but also by one’s willingness to learn from them and work toward positive change.
The common lesson from both scripture and history is that leadership is sustained not by power alone but by integrity. Many promising leaders begin their careers with noble aspirations. Yet when they become consumed by wealth, political survival, or personal ambition, they often experience a fall from grace. Their downfall is rarely sudden. Instead, it is the result of small ethical compromises that gradually undermine their character and credibility.
A truly transformed leader recognises these dangers. Such a leader practises transparency, accepts accountability, listens to criticism, and prioritises the needs of the people. Rather than seeking personal glory, they embrace the role of servant-leader, understanding that authority is a responsibility rather than a privilege.