TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Parents and children from various barangays in the city gathered at the People’s Gymnasium in Dagupan Centro for the city’s annual Family Week celebration on September 25. This year’s theme, “Pamilyang Tumutugon sa Pagbabago ng Panahon” (Families Adapting to the Changing Times), underscored the significance of family resilience in navigating modern challenges.
The event was filled with activities aimed at fostering family bonds, including interactive dance performances, and contests. Local officials took the opportunity to emphasize the crucial role of family unity in overcoming societal and environmental changes.
Eusebia Edduba, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, warmly welcomed the participants. “In this fast-paced world, it is crucial that families remain resilient and supportive of one another,” Edduba said. She emphasized that while family bonding is essential, modern parenting requires new approaches, since today’s kids lead different lifestyles than those of previous generations.
Representing City Councilor Kristian Wandag, Lyka Mae Mukay reinforced the need for families to adapt and be resilient in the face of drastic societal changes. She noted how disciplining children in the past seemed simpler compared to today’s complexities.
City Councilor Lucretina Sarol, who also attended the event, highlighted that family, although the smallest unit of society, is second only to God in importance. She spoke on the value of good parenting and the role it plays in guiding children toward becoming responsible adults.
Aurora Amilig, City Information Officer and representative of Mayor Darwin Estrañero, shared her personal experience as a solo parent. She emphasized the value of spending quality time with family members, especially kids, since time gets scarcer as they get older.
The celebration featured contests like the “Search for Natatanging Pamilya” and a Family Slogan Making Contest, with participants receiving tokens and cash prizes. Parents appreciated the day of fun and learning, which strengthened bonds across families in the city.
The Family Week celebration, aligned with National Filipino Family Week, is an annual event supported by the local government to foster family unity and values. By Jesse Maguiya