Ms. Simar Simora together with the Parents of Brgy. Damires.

Parenting, like life itself, is a journey filled with joys, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. On October 28, 2024, the Barangay Hall of Damires, New Lucena, was alive with the hopeful energy of 24 solo parents who gathered for the Responsible Parenthood Orientation. The event, organized by the Provincial Population Office and SEA, Inc., wasn’t just another workshop; it was a heartwarming reminder of the transformative power of guidance, love, and responsibility.

A Foundation of Faith and Family

The day began with an inspiring welcome message from Hon. Roland Huesca, Punong Barangay of Damires. “Strong spirituality within the family is the anchor that keeps us steady amidst life’s storms,” he shared. His words resonated deeply, setting a tone of reflection and hope.

Ms. Rosanna Constantino, Municipal Coordinator led the activity.

Ms. Rosanna Constantino, representing SEA, Inc., framed the activity’s objectives beautifully: to understand the core responsibilities of parenting, learn about government programs supporting family development, and reflect on the essential role of responsible parenthood.

Lessons from the Heart

At the heart of the session was Ms. Simar P. Simora, a resource person from the Provincial Population Office. With warmth and wisdom, she spoke about the essence of marriage, citing the New Family Code of the Philippines. Marriage, she explained, is more than a legal contract—it is a sacred bond, built on pillars such as love, respect, trust, and shared beliefs.

Her advice was both practical and profound:

“Open communication is the glue that holds families together.”

“Teach children respect—not just for others, but for themselves.”

“In all things, put God at the center of your relationships.”

Ms. Simora also highlighted the rights of a child—survival, development, protection, and participation—reminding parents that these rights must be balanced with guidance, discipline, and care for their mental well-being.

Stories that Spark Change

The most heartfelt moments came during the open forum, where participants shared their struggles and triumphs. One parent recounted the challenges of navigating social media’s influence on her children. “It’s a battle every day,” she admitted, “but I’ve learned the importance of open dialogue and being a role model.”

Ms. Simar Simora as the Resource Person from Provincial Population Office.

Ms. Simora’s response was compassionate yet firm: “Parenting today requires vigilance, patience, and creativity. Equip your children with values that act as their compass in this digital world.”

The idea of convening young couples for marriage counseling was also floated, sparking hope for the next generation. “Guiding young parents early can prevent mistakes and foster stronger families,” Ms. Simora emphasized.

A Celebration of Imperfection

As the session concluded, the parents expressed gratitude, not just for the lessons, but for the chance to reflect and grow. One participant shared, “We’re not perfect, but sessions like this remind us that perfection isn’t the goal—love, effort, and learning are.”

Indeed, the Responsible Parenthood Orientation was more than a seminar; it was a space to build bridges—between parents and children, partners, and even the participants themselves.

A Lasting Takeaway

Parenting is, in many ways, like planting a tree. It requires patience, care, and faith in the unseen. As Ms. Simar so eloquently put it, “We may not see the fruits of our labor immediately, but with love and responsibility, our families will flourish.”

For the parents of Damires, this session was a reminder that they’re not alone in this journey—and that with the right tools and support, they can nurture families rooted in strength, love, and hope.