Families and community members gathered in Tacloban City on Monday, September 28, for the Building Forever Families 2026 Concert, held as part of the celebration of National Family Week.
The event, held at Robinsons Place Marasbaras, carried the theme “Families, Equalities, and Well-being: Pamilya, Pagkapantay-pantay, at Kapakanan ng Bata”
The celebration featured musical performances from children and highlighted the importance of providing them with safe and supportive homes where they can feel loved, accepted, and protected.
Tacloban Philippines Stake President Christian Gabrielle Gravoso said the family serves as a child’s first home, where values such as love, respect, kindness, and compassion are developed.
Also present during the event were Leyte First District Board Member Wilson Uy, Department of Social Welfare and Development Eastern Visayas Regional Director Grace Subong, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Art Bautista, UCCP Administrative Pastor Reverend Mylene Sale Caduzale, and representatives of the Philippine Army Task Group Tacloban.
In her speech, Subong emphasized the importance of strengthening families and protecting children, saying the DSWD considers families not only as beneficiaries of government programs but also as partners in nation-building.
She cited programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which supports children’s health and education, as well as the Supplementary Feeding Program, protective services,and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
Subong also stressed that promoting family welfare and child protection should go beyond the annual National Family Week celebration, requiring sustained efforts from government agencies, communities, and other partners.
The event concluded with musical performances and fellowship, highlighting the role of strong families in creating a safe and supportive environment for children.
(via Bombo Sheila Encio)
