Celebrating the pillar of society on International Day of Families

Each year on May 15, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Families—a moment not just for global awareness but for nations to reflect on the enduring strength of familial bonds.

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In the Philippines, as in many parts of the world, this day is not celebrated in the grand way of Mother's Day or Father's Day with flowers, gifts, special dinners, and shopping malls decorated to remind everybody of the occasion. Perhaps it's because "family day" is usually commemorated once a week, on Sundays, when family members, even those who have left the home, make time to get together for lunch or dinner, or both.

The family is more than a household unit. It is a sanctuary of love, support, and shared responsibility. In our country, it is common to find three generations living under one roof, or in one compound, sharing joys, burdens, and traditions. In Monday's national midterm election, it was a common sight to see whole families trooping to the polling centers together, and even voting in the same precincts.