The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MIMAROPA, through its Protective Services Division, successfully conducted the 2025 National Filipino Family Week Celebration on September 24–25, 2025, at the MIMAROPA Youth Center (MYC) in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro.

Anchored on the theme “Polisiyang Makapamilya: Tungo sa Higit na Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Pamilyang Pilipino” (Family-Oriented Policies for a Stronger, More Comfortable, and Secure Filipino Family).

The two-day celebration aimed to highlight the vital role of the family in nation-building and underscore the importance of open communication, understanding, and support within families, especially for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) undergoing rehabilitation.

Further, the event featured interactive workshops where parents and children shared their challenges, expectations, and hopes for stronger family relationships.

Results from the Workshop on the Challenges Faced by Parents in the Modern World revealed that many parents find it difficult to supervise their children’s use of social media due to limited knowledge of technology.

Financial stress was also identified as a major factor affecting their ability to provide a stable environment for their children’s growth and development.

A letter-writing and sharing activity provided a heartfelt moment as parents and children exchanged messages of gratitude, reconciliation, and encouragement.

Fun games and team-building activities further strengthened trust, unity, and bonding among families, reinforcing the value of togetherness in overcoming life’s challenges.

“Ang pagpunta sa MYC ay hindi kaparusahan kundi isang tulong dahil marami akong natutunan. May dahilan si Lord kung bakit ako nadala rito,” shared one MYC resident.

A parent also expressed, “Nalulungkot kami na nahiwalay sa aming mga anak, ngunit nagpapasalamat kami dahil nakikita namin ang pagbabago at marami silang natutunan.”

These testimonies reflect the transformative role of the MIMAROPA Youth Center in fostering positive change and strengthening family ties.

The celebration reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing family-oriented policies and highlighted the MIMAROPA Youth Center as a safe space for healing and reintegration.

By fostering family dialogue, shared experiences, and positive engagement, DSWD MIMAROPA continues to fulfill its mandate of safeguarding Filipino families and building resilient communities.