The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) led by Liza Daisa Bulayungan spearheads the celebration of the city’s Family Month this September.
All activities revolve around this year’s theme, “Pamilyang Matatag sa Baguio, Pamana sa Bawat Pilipino.”
Last August 28, 2024, the steering committee attended the City Hall Hour of the Baguio Public Information Office held at the Public Library to promote the activities prepared by their offices as part of the celebration.
CSWDO is also conducting the Search for the Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino ng Baguio where nominations may be submitted until September 6, 2024 at their office. The qualifications are family members must be Filipino citizens and bonafide residents of Baguio City for at least 15 years and with good moral character and without criminal record.
The Baguio City Library headed by Easter Pablo will have a LibTalk every Friday of this month at 10 am where invited panelists will discuss family values. A family movie day every Saturday at 1:30 pm at the public library will feature wholesome and family-oriented movies that families can enjoy.
A Marriage Enrichment program by partner counselors will commence on September 11 at 8:30 am at the Venus Parkview Hotel.
The Persons with Disabilities Office (PDAO) will also celebrate National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day on September 16 from 8:30 am to 5 pm at the Plaza Garden Residences and on September 18-19 from 8 am to 5 pm, a training on ‘Early Detection, Prevention, and Intervention on Disability’ will be held but the venue is yet to be announced.
A Trainor’s Training on Parent Effectiveness Service and ERPAT (Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities) will be held on September 24-27, 2024 from 8 am to 5 pm at the El Cielito Hotel.
In partnership with the Local Civil Registry Office led by Luz Perez, a mass wedding for 50 couples will be officiated by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong on September 25 at the Venus Parkview Hotel.
As a culminating activity, a Family Fair Day will be held at Malcolm Square and Lower Session Road on September 29 where families can enjoy activities and booths prepared by the Baguio City Fire Station, Baguio City Police Office, Baguio City Jail Male and Female Dormitory, Health Services Office, Baguio Lions Club, CSWDO, and PDAO among others.
A chalk art competition will also be conducted on the same day to be sponsored by Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda and to be facilitated by Balikatan sa Kaunlaran. The artworks should focus on this year’s theme. The contestants must be families composed of three members (at least one parent). First prize will receive P3000, P2000 for second place, and third place will receive P1000.
A family day at the park in partnership with Stone Kingdom has also been arranged by Councilor Tabanda. More details will be announced soon.
The celebration of Family Month is anchored on Presidential Proclamation no. 60, series of 1992, declaring every last week of September as National Family Week; Proclamation no. 847, series of 1996 declaring fourth Sunday of September as Family Thanksgiving Day; and Proclamation no. 326, series of 2012 declares every fourth Monday of September as “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day” to encourage Filipinos to spend mealtime with their families. **Mileyvonne Tiamzon