The National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF), chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), thanked the Office of the President for issuing Memorandum Circular No. 80 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea, which suspended work in government offices in the Executive Branch by 3:30 PM onwards on September 28, to allow government employees to celebrate the Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day. 

The Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day is a yearly celebration held every fourth Monday of September pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 326, series of 2012.

The celebration, which is held in conjunction with the annual celebration of the National Family Week, emphasizes the importance of having a common family meal to encourage parents to stay connected with their children and understand the challenges they face.

According to Proclamation No. 326, one of the meaningful traditions of Filipinos is the common family meal where all family members are present to signify their unity and thanksgiving. 

A common family meal also provides an opportunity to enhance family communication and serves a venue where members can express affirmation of each other and share a positive experience of joy and love.

Aside from spending common family mealtime, DSWD also encouraged families to use this special day as a chance to reflect on the importance of their families in their lives, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and on how they can further strengthen their bond so that they withstand the many unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. ###