City of San Fernando   More than 300 government employees and representatives from non-government organizations (NGOs) converged during the inter-agency flag raising and candle lighting ceremony in observance of the 2015 Family Week Celebration held on September 21, 2015 at the NEDA covered court in this city.

With this year’s theme, “Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families,” various activities initiated by the Regional Steering Committee for the 2015 Family Week Celebration were conducted in the region. This year’s theme focuses on the conduct of advocacy activities to heighten the awareness of the public on the celebration of the Filipino Family Week.

The celebration is pursuant to Proclamation Nos. 60 and 847 declaring the last week of September as Family Week and the last Sunday of September as Family Thanksgiving Day.

In her message, DSWD Field Office III Regional Director Gemma B. Gabuya thanked the participants for the opportunity to share with them the Department’s mandate of helping the vulnerable sector to achieve an improved quality of life. “We promote the rights of the vulnerable sector at tayong ay may kontribusyon sa pag-angat ng kanilang mga buhay

Gabuya also acknowledged some children in conflict with the law (CICL) from the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth who rendered the doxology and the singing of the National Anthem. “Minsan sa kanilang buhay sila ay nagkaroon ng suliranin sa batas ngunit sila ay binigyan ng pagkakataon ng ating pamahalaan upang magbagong buhay. Nakita natin ang kumpiyansa sa kanilang sarili sa pagharap sa atin ngayon. Bigyan natin sila ng chance at tanggapin sa kanilang komunidad. Sila ay maaaring maging potential leader, maging mabuting ama,” Gabuya said.

Gabuya also called on the participants to give chance to the abandoned, orphaned and neglected children of the Reception and Study Center for Children to have permanent or foster families. “Help us advocate to your friends in your communities who are willing to share their families either permanently or temporarily during Christmas.

“Minsan nalabag ang kanilang karapatan ng kanilang mga pamilya,” Gabuya said while referring to some children of RSCC who earlier rendered a special number. There will be no abandoned or neglected children if the foundation of their families are strong and able to promote the rights of their children, Gabuya stressed.

Another highlight of the event was the awarding of the winners of the Regional Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya led by the Baclig family of Dipaculao, Aurora as grand winner; Lumague family of San Miguel, Bulacan; and Antonio family of Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac. ### (Social Marketing Unit)

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