A HAPPY FAMILY. A family-beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program enjoys the rare moments they can have fun with one another as part of the Family Day celebration initiated by the DSWD and Jollibee Foods Corporation. The Family Day, held last June 10, 2013 in Nagcarlan, Laguna, taught couples on strengthening their relationships and families through family development sessions and games.

At least 50 family-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from Nagcarlan town, province of Laguna convened for a Family Day in the said town last June 10, 2013. The Family Day is held through the partnership between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Jollibee Foods Corporation in bringing Filipino families closer together.

The Family Day, in line with the partnership’s goal, held a family development session (FDS) for both couples and their children. The FDS is a component of Pantawid Pamilya that teaches beneficiaries on several family enhancement topics such as understanding child’s rights, proper budget management and husband-and-wife relationships.

The couples were taught on how to properly communicate with their partners and the differences between genders. On the other hand, children are taught on their rights.

“Natutunan ko na magkaiba pala talaga ang babae at lalaki. Dahil sa FDS na ito, maraming mga pagbabago sa aming samahan lalo na at naiintindihan na naming mag-asawa ang aming mga pagkakaiba. (I learned that there really are a lot of differences between a man and a woman. This FDS will bring a lot of changes in our family now that we understand our differences),” said Amabelle Magcayang, 35, a parent-beneficiary.

Her 8-year-old daughter Jasmine, on the other hand, learned her rights as a child naming the rights to play and to have a home as what stood out the most for her. According to her, she enjoyed the day having fun with children her age and she even met new friends.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa DSWD dahil pinasaya ninyo ang aming mga pamilya. Lagi na lang busy sa trabaho sina nanay at tatay kaya itong araw na ito ay naging daan para makapagpahinga sila at maging masaya kaming pamilya. (I am very thankful to DSWD because they made our families happy today. Since our parents are always busy to earn a living for us, this is a great opportunity for them to rest and be happy together with their children),” said 14-year-old Rudolph Evasco, another child-beneficiary in attendance.

The DSWD and Jollibee Foods Corporation recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for a joint conduct of activities that bring Filipino families together. Both parties recognize the importance of strengthening family-related programs to promote positive Filipino values among families.***