Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized the importance of family during the Christmas season, highlighting the evolving definitions of what constitutes a family in modern society.
“Amid the commercialization, the family remains at the heart of the Filipino Christmas, no matter how one defines family,” Belmonte said in a holiday message released on Tuesday.
The seasoned mayor acknowledged that while the traditional family often consists of parents and their children, other family structures have become increasingly prevalent, including those headed by solo parents or same sex couples.
“There are families anchored by a grandparent or two, caring for their grandchildren whose parents are working abroad,” Belmonte said. “Then there are families led by two men or two women. There are families made up of friends,” she added.
Belmonte is known for championing members of the LGBTQ+ community in Quezon City with her inclusive policies in the local government.
She assured that Quezon City under her leadership will keep supporting all kinds of families, especially those facing challenges.
“This year, we have fixed the documents of couples who have been living together for several decades. We provided LGBTQIA+ couples the right to decide for their partner when one is in need of medical attention,” Belmonte said.
She also noted efforts to assist parents working abroad by guiding their children who are growing up without their physical presence in Quezon City.
“This Christmas season, no matter where we are coming from, may we all find our way back to our family and rekindle the love we have for each other,” Belmonte concluded in her statement.
