ILOILO City – Several government offices in Iloilo are set to reduce their working hours today, September 23, to mark the annual celebration of Family Week and “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day.
This adjustment follows the directives issued by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin through Memorandum Circular Number 64, dated September 12, in accordance with Proclamation No. 60 of 1992 and Proclamation No. 326 of 2012.
These proclamations respectively designate the last week of September as Family Week and the fourth Monday of September as “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day. Consequently, work in government offices within the executive branch will be suspended starting at 3 p.m.
However, essential services such as basic health care, disaster response, and other critical services will remain operational during this period.
The National Committee on the Filipino Family encourages all government workers in the executive branch to actively participate in Family Week’s scheduled programs and activities.
In line with these observances, the local government unit of Barotac Viejo has also announced a shortened workday for Monday.
Mayor Nielo Tupas issued Executive Order Number 2024-022, declaring the suspension of work in all government offices within Barotac Viejo from 3 p.m. onwards on September 23, to allow government employees to spend time with their families.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Iloilo City has advised that their office will close at the same time, in alignment with the national observance. They note that clients needing document services on September 23 can do so until the closure time, with regular operations resuming the following day.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been designated as the lead agency for this year’s National Family Week celebrations, which will run from September 23 to 27.
DSWD encourages all Filipino families to focus on strengthening familial bonds and improving communication. The theme for this year, “Pamilyang Tutugon sa Pagbabago ng Panahon,” highlights the impact of climate change on families and emphasizes their role in climate action.
DSWD will officially launch National Family Week during its flag-raising ceremony today and urges all families to participate in “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day,” promoting shared meals as a foundation for family bonding, as per Presidential Proclamation No. 326./PN
