The DSWD-NCR, in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Population Commission (POPCOM), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and LGUs of Metro Manila held the Family Camp 2014 recently at the Island Cove in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite. This is one of the activities of the Department’s Comprehensive Program for street children, street families and Indigenous Peoples, especially Sama Bajaus which started in 2011.

The event carries the theme, “Pamilyang Pilipino, Tanging Yaman ng Lipunan (Pahalagahan at Protektahan)” and aimed to strengthen the bond of the participating homeless families and to foster camaraderie among their co – participants. Some 197 homeless families from five (5) LGUs attended the said family camp, as follows: 42 from Manila, 53 from Parañaque, 25 from Makati, 32 from Pasay and 45 from Quezon City.

Among others, activities in the said camp included Orientation on Comprehensive Program for Street Families and Indigenous Peoples especially Sama Bajaus, as well as Values Enhancement and Parenting Sessions.

Our partner agencies also conducted several learning sessions for the participants. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spear-headed a simulation and discussion on Disaster Preparedness, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) held a lecture on drug-abuse prevention. On the other hand, responsible Parenthood, Family Planning, Gender, and Early Pregnancy was led by the Population Commission (POPCOM) while TESDA organized a Livelihood training for selected participants.

This is the fourth family camp since the Comprehensive Program was implemented. ### (FO – NCR, Social Marketing Office, May 23, 2014)