Manila: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian pushed for the strengthening and empowerment of families across Southeast Asia amid demographic, socio-economic, and technological shifts during the opening of the virtual ASEAN Conference and Workshop on Family Development Network on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian, who serves as the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting for Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD) Leader of the Philippines, emphasized before delegates from ASEAN member states the need for a coherent, forward-looking, and family-centered approach. He highlighted the importance of strengthening family foundations, promoting shared parenting, and supporting families in adapting to change in light of ongoing migration, labor mobility, digitalization, climate-related disasters, and global uncertainties that continue to reshape family dynamics.
Under the DSWD's chairship of the 35th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), Gatchalian stated that fostering resilient and empowered families is a top priority. He expressed the belief that by strengthening the family unit, a foundation for thriving communities and a more robust and united ASEAN region could be established.
The three-day conference workshop, which runs until May 14, aims to serve as a regional platform to advance a shared understanding, vision, and strategic direction for strengthening families across ASEAN. Attendees include Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD) leaders and delegations from across the Southeast Asian region.
As the workshop commenced, select member states shared their region's past and ongoing efforts in alignment with five thematic pillars of family development. These include enhancing cohesiveness and family quality of life, improving family well-being through paternal engagement, contemporary parenting in the digital age, emerging trends and challenges to families, and youth development and social participation.
By the end of the conference, ASEAN members are expected to launch the ASEAN Family Development Network (ASEAN FamNet). This platform aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, strengthen partnerships, and develop evidence-based and collaborative solutions for families across the region. Gatchalian noted that the conference marks the preliminary launch of this network, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that families remain resilient, supported, and empowered amid ongoing changes.
