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.

“These realities call for a coherent, forward-looking, and family-centered approach. We must strengthen family foundations, promote shared parenting, and support families in adapting to change,” 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

He pointed out that migration, labor mobility, and digitalization continue to reshape how families live, connect, and care for one another, while climate-related disasters and global uncertainties further threaten family stability and well-being.

Under the DSWD’s chairship of the 35th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), Gatchalian said that fostering resilient and empowered families is one of the top priorities.

“We believe that by strengthening the family unit, we create a foundation for thriving communities, and consequently, a more robust and united ASEAN region,” he said.

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 of the activity include the Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD) leaders and delegations, representing the senior officials responsible for social welfare and development across the Southeast Asian region.

As the workshop began, select member states shared their region’s past and ongoing efforts aligned with five thematic pillars of family development: Enhancing Cohesiveness and Family Quality of Life; Improved Family Well-Being through Paternal Engagement in Family Life; Contemporary Parenting in the Digital Age; Emerging Trends and Challenges to Families; and Youth Development and Social Participation.

It is expected that by the end of the conference, ASEAN members will launch the ASEAN Family Development Network (ASEAN FamNet), a platform for ASEAN member states to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and develop evidence-based and collaborative solutions for families across the region.

“This conference marks the preliminary launch of the ASEAN Family Development Network, a platform to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and move from dialogue to action. Through this network, we aim to advance evidence-based policies and collaborative solutions for families across ASEAN.

Ultimately, our goal is clear: to ensure that families remain resilient, supported, and empowered amid ongoing changes,” Gatchalian said. (PNA)