On the eve of National Family Week, PopCom vows to protect Filipinos from the problems of the pandemic

Logo of the Population and Development Commission.

MANILA, Philippines – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep across the world, many families have been affected both financially and physically with industries forced to close stores or enforce layoffs.

And on the eve of National Family Week, the Population and Development Commission (PopCom) said the government must work together to protect families from the harmful effects of the pandemic.

“All families, regardless of their socioeconomic position, are experiencing unprecedented changes in their ways of life due to the challenges posed by COVID-19,” said the president and undersecretary of PopCom, Juan Antonio Pérez III, in a statement.

“We need to preserve the institution of the Philippine family from the elements that pressure its stability, especially those posed by the deadly disease,” he added.

But despite the negative impact of the pandemic on society as a whole, PopCom said that the stay-at-home and telework policies, imposed to prevent mass transmission of coronavirus, present several opportunities for the Filipino family.

One of them is discussing issues that are not openly discussed, such as sexuality, responsible parenting, and family planning, all of which can help prevent a population boom while the pandemic still persists.

Previously, PopCom expected two million live births this year, of which 214,000 were likely unplanned as couples spend more time together due to confinement.

According to Pérez, these seemingly small efforts will go a long way, as avoiding pregnancies, especially teenage pregnancies, during the pandemic would mean not adding more burden to already tired health systems, which are focused on fighting COVID-19.

“While the situation imposed by COVID-19 is unique in itself, forcing family members to stay at home, it should be a good opportunity for them to forge stronger bonds and also break down barriers to discuss issues and topics than before. they presented discomfort and concern. , such as sexuality, responsible parenthood, family planning and the like ”, explained Pérez.

“(We must) remain vigilant for violent incidents, especially in women and children, which can lead to sexual abuse and, worse still, add to the teen pregnancy statistics,” he added.

The 28th National Family Week is scheduled to take place September 21-27. During the celebration, various online programs will be held to help educate people on how to maintain a healthy family, protected from the dangers of coronavirus infections.

“DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) and POPCOM will kick off this year’s NFW with a symbolic ringing of bells by the heads of partner agencies on September 21 at 9 am via online audiovisual presentations,” he said. PopCom.

Several government institutions will also take advantage of the reach of their social media pages by posting and sharing daily infographics on the ways families can deal with Covid-19, encouraging them to maximize their free time to strengthen ties on the inside as it occurs. the pandemic, “he added. .

JPV

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