Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day set on September 24
In this day and age, the heartwarming scene of a complete family gathering to dine together and sharing intimate mealtime moments is a distant cry from reality. With career, individual interests and the general busyness of life becoming present-day norms, just getting every family member to sit down together for a meal at the dining table is already increasingly difficult to accomplish. Monde Nissin calls on the Filipino family to rediscover the importance of mealtime togetherness on September 24. Recently declared Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day by President Benigno Aquino III via Presidential Proclamation 326 in January of this year, the annual celebration (formerly dubbed ‘National FaMEALy Day’)—to be held every 4th Monday of September—serves as a regular reminder for families to experience and enjoy the benefits of shared mealtime moments. “One of the meaningful traditions of Filipinos is the common family meal where all members of the family are present to signify their unity and thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings,” says President Aquino, adding, “Having a common family meal encourages parents to stay connected with their children and understand the challenges they face.” Manufacturer of Monde snacking products and Lucky Me! instant noodles and seasoning, Monde Nissin Corporation launched Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga in October 2007, to spearhead the advocacy that aims to remind parents of their critical role at the dining table. Underscoring that the noblest way of giving back to society is raising happy and healthy children, Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga encourages parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives, an important part of which is to engage them in meaningful moments during mealtimes. The campaign stems from actual research showing that children who experience regular and frequent family dinners adjust to and cope better with situations and realities faced by their generation today – from difficulties in school, to destructive behavior such as alcohol and drug use, smoking and early sexual behavior. Since its launch, Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga has continued to champion Filipino family mealtime moments through the annual celebration, held in conjunction with National Family Week. At the end of the day, eating together at the dining table satiates more than just a hunger for good food—it satisfies and nourishes the heart and soul, reminding every family why these simple yet impactful moments must not be taken for granted. With Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day on September 24, 2012, every Filipino family is invited to come home in time for dinner and be reminded of the irreplaceable value of spending time together during shared mealtimes. Press release from Monde Nissin Corporation