MANILA (September 21) – Malacañang has announced the adjustment of work hours in government offices and departments on Monday, September 22, to allow state workers to take part in the 33rd National Family Week and the observance of “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day.
In Memorandum Circular (MC) 96, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, work in government offices under the Executive branch will be suspended starting at 1 p.m. Agencies that provide essential services, such as health care, disaster preparedness, and other vital operations, are exempted from the suspension to ensure the continuous delivery of public service.
“This Office also encourages all government workers in the Executive branch to fully support the programs and activities relative to the observance of Family Week, as organized by the National Committee on the Filipino Family,” the circular stated.
While the order covers only executive offices, the Palace also urged other branches of government, independent commissions, and the private sector to consider adopting similar measures to give Filipino families more time to celebrate together.
The observance of National Family Week is held annually during the last week of September, in line with Proclamation No. 60 issued in 1992, which declared it as a period to honor and strengthen the Filipino family. Complementing the week-long commemoration is “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day, observed every fourth Monday of September under Proclamation No. 326 signed in 2012.
The special day highlights the value of families sharing meals together, reinforcing the Filipino tradition of mealtime as a meaningful occasion for connection, communication, and unity.
Leading the nationwide observance is the National Committee on the Filipino Family, which is mandated to uphold the role of the family as the cornerstone of the nation’s well-being and development. The committee emphasized that the week-long celebration underscores the importance of nurturing Filipino families, regarded as the fundamental unit of society, in building a stronger nation.
