The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints kicked off the 29th annual celebration of the National Family Week this year with the Philippines Area Presidency Devotional titled "Boosting the Family's Faith". This event was premiered on the official Facebook page and YouTube channel of the Church in the Philippines on September 19, 2021, at 7:00 PM Philippine Time.
Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, President of the Philippines Area Presidency, emphasized the need for strengthening the Filipino family, especially during these challenging times. He shared, "In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities, not only this week but every day."
Speaking about fortifying families, Elder Steven R. Bangerter, counselor of the Philippines Area Presidency, highlighted the importance of studying the doctrines outlined in the document, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". He said, "For 26 years, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all over the world have been blessed by the wisdom and doctrinal clarity of 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World'. It is a guide in our homes, families, and has the power to influence our communities for good."
Elder Bangerter continued to share how he and his family had made it part of their tradition to always hang in their homes a copy of the proclamation and to study it frequently. He extended the same invitation to the Filipino audience.
Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, a counselor of the Philippines Area Presidency, also shared the value of having strong family traditions. He taught, "Righteous family traditions will lead the children to live righteous lives. Building a great tradition in the family is the best way for our children to stay strong in this complicated world."
Elder Choi highlighted the eternal nature of families when he said, "For us, the family is not something you can give up when things are becoming difficult. The family is for keeps - it doesn’t have an expiration date. It lasts forever."
The Church will continue celebrating National Family Week this year through a series of Facebook live events every night at 7:00 PM from September 19 to September 27. For the full schedule of activities, click here.
About National Family Week
The National Family Week has been observed annually since 1992 after the signing of Proclamation 60 by President Fidel V. Ramos, which declares every last week of September as "Family Week". This declaration is in accordance with the Philippines Constitution, which affirms that “the state recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation.” The Church remains at the forefront since 1992 in supporting this proclamation.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joins communities and echo the invitation found in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” which states, “We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”