Indigenous people “FaMEALy” highlights Family Week celebration in Region 2

Tuguegarao City (28 September) — The 2009 Family Week Celebration spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was highlighted by the FaMEALy Day with the Indigenous People (IP’s) of Agguggadan, Peñablanca where at least 93 IP’s were treated to a simple meal and family games at Jollibee, Tuguegarao City.

The DSWD headed by Dir. Arnel B. Garcia and Peñablanca Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Excelsis de Leon chose the Agtas as the recipients of the FaMEAL program because they are the least attended group.

Agguggadan Barangay Captain Ricardo Maneclang has expressed his gratefulness for the continuous support of the government to the Agtas.

“The Agtas in our place are already civilized that is why they are very attentive and supportive to the government’s programs and projects,” Maneclang said.

“They believe that all of these programs and projects are for their growth and development,” the barangay captain added.

Likewise, Robert Salvino, IP leader of Agguggadan extended his great appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the government for the opportunity to be part of the celebration.

The “National FaMEALy Day – Pagkilala na Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga,” an annual national movement celebrated every 4th Monday of September was entered in a Memorandum of Agreement between the DSWD, NCFF, and Monde Nissin Corporation.

Conceptualized by the Monde Nissin Corporation, the FaMEALy day serves as a reminder to parents that their presence on the dinner table is essential in strengthening family relationships.

The activity likewise promotes family togetherness especially during dinner which best serves as a venue to nurture, give guidance and impart values to children.

The theme of this year’s National Family Day celebration is “Si Nanay, Matatag sa Lahat ng Bagay. (SRA/PIA 02)