Solon wants to turn Feb. 14 into ‘Nat'l Family Day’ to combat drug menace

Second District of Cebu Representative Rodrigo Abellanosa is seeking to "expand the definition of love" by declaring February 14 a "National Family Day" on top of Valentine's Day.

In his explanatory note, Abellanosa pushed for the celebration of family love by declaring February 14 a special working holiday. The lawmaker further explained that stronger familial bond could aid the crusade against illegal substances.

"In that nation's current war against drugs, we see a staggering number of drug users and/or sellers coming out to seek help in resolving their drug dependence. Had they been given the opportunity in the past to be raised in a loving family that instills all the proper values in its children, they may have stood a huge chance against the drug menace," Abellanosa argued.

He added, "There is no time more appropriate than now to begin curbing the problem not only by trimming the foliage but addressing it from the roots."

Araw ng mga puso, Feb 14, ipinadedeklara bilang National Family Day @dzbb pic.twitter.com/EVOTky0WvO

— Rowena L. Salvacion (@wengsalvacion) February 9, 2017

Abellanosa remarked that "strengthening the family" may lead to a "stronger nation."

Abellanosa has also written a mandate for the public and private institutions such as the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Department of Interior and Local Government among others to "conduct programs and activities to pay tribute to the family as a building block of the nation." — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News