In line with this year’s National Family Week, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Region IX begins its Modelong Pamilya Search- an activity that serves as an avenue to recognize exemplary family in the entire region.

Early this month, the validating team composed of Carmencita Luna- DSWD Focal, Director Raymond Domingo- National Youth Commission (NYC), Ma. Elena S. Lluisma from DENR and Marissa Mohammad- Department of Agriculture (DA) started visiting the nominated families in Titay, Katipunan, Liloy and Zamboanga City for validation.

Regional Director Zenaida L. Arevalo said that the said contest aims to honor families that uphold Filipino values, promote healthy living and environment protection and inspire other members of the community.

The winners will be awarded on October 4, 2015 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay during the Pantawid Family Day Celebration.

Meanwhile, DSWD being the chair of the National Committee on the Filipino Family leads some of the major activities in the pipeline for the week-long celebration:

September 21, 2015 – Hanging of the streamers

September 22-23, 2015 – Orientation on Solo Parents Welfare Act (Zambo. City)

September 28, 2015 – Orientation on Anti-Child Pornography (Ipil, ZSP)

September 28, 2015 – DSWD IX FaMEALy Fiesta (DSWD IX grounds)

The National Family Week celebration is a yearly celebration pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 60 signed on Sept. 28, 1992 and Executive Order No. 241 dated June 9, 1995, that aims to strengthen Filipino family relationships. This year’s theme is ‘Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families.### Rylle Darryll Estrella WMSU OJT / Lei Mohammad, DSWD 9