Filipino Latter-day Saint Families Celebrate the 29th National Family Week Virtually

From September 19-27, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined in the 29th National Family Week to celebrate the Filipino family. The nine-day celebration was done in partnership with the National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF), several government agencies, private organizations, and friends of other faiths.

With the theme, “Tungo sa Maginhawa, Matatag, at Panatag na Pamilyang Pilipino” [To a Homely, Strong, and Peaceful Filipino Family], this year's festivities focused on the use of technology in strengthening family relationships amid the ongoing pandemic. 

A long-time member of the NCFF since 1992, the Church observed the event with a series of virtual activities with the special theme #BFF or #BuildingForeverFamilies.

Below are some activities that local stakes (dioceses) and wards (congregations) did to bring together families and friends of the Church in the celebration of the Filipino Family.

LUZON

Members of the Pangasinan Stake partnered with their local government unit to celebrate this year's National Family Week. In his virtual message, Honorable Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, Vice Governor of Pangasinan, expressed his appreciation for the Church and gave a nod of appreciation to the #BFF theme. He said in Tagalog:

May we not forget that we must prioritize the relationships we have with our families above everything else. Show your compassion and love for them. Long live the Filipino family!

As part of their local celebration, the Olongapo Stake invited interfaith leaders to share messages on ways to strengthen family relationships. During the Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day, Church leaders and representatives shared a meal with Reverend Father William Monsalud of Sta Rita Roman Catholic Church; Pastor Michael Alop, Church Minister of the Church of Christ; and, Pastor Ramil Tuazon with his wife Pastora Christy Tuazon of Fundamental Ministry. During the meal, the interfaith leaders shared their common desire to build the community by fortifying families.

The La Union Stake decided to kick off their celebration by hosting an online training on Disaster and Emergency Preparedness by the La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). Families were taught the basic principles of emergency preparedness including the importance of a 72-hour kit.

In Gasan Branch of the Marinduque District (small diocese), a virtual family talent show was hosted by members and friends. Aside from the musical presentations, messages on how to boost the family's faith through following God's commandments were also shared by Church leaders.

VISAYAS 

Members of the Cebu City Stake celebrated the National Family Week by participating in different activities, such as flooding social media with #FamilyHomeEvening posts, a Temple and Family History night, a virtual family talent presentation, an online interfaith forum, and a local 2021 Family Values Awards.

Stake leaders of the Binalbagan Stake in Negros Occidental organized different virtual activities such as musical shows, and art exhibits. Families also participated in the "Bridging Families through Family History" virtual activity to further strengthen family relationships, not only for the living but also for their deceased ancestors.

On the other hand, The La Carlota District produced a short interfaith video featuring messages shared by District President Mario Malacaman and Reverend Samuel Cordero of the Full Gospel Church Assembly of God. The video centered on the importance of the family unit and its role in the unfolding of God's plan.

In addition, the Bacolod City local government represented by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran received a token of appreciation from the Church in recognition of its active efforts in supporting the National Family Week celebration.

MINDANAO 

The Balingasag District in Cagayan de Oro decided to encourage members and friends to engage more on family history by sharing testimonials of individuals and families on the blessings of searching for their ancestors. The videos also included tutorials on how to use the FamilySearch website to upload family names and information.

On September 27,  the Pagadian District joined in the Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day virtual celebration. Kara Kapa from Pagadian shared her thoughts on the importance of eating together as a family. She said, "Mealtime is an important time for my family. It is when we gather together and enjoy the food that we prepared for each family member. During this time, we can pause for a while and sit down together. It is a great opportunity to communicate and bond together."

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.”