Dominican NGO Leaders Share Concerns, Commitment to Aid Families
- May 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – To commemorate the UN International Day of Families, UPF-Dominican Republic held a seminar at the federation’s headquarters in Santo Domingo on May 17, 2026. The program addressed fundamental topics such as the value of the family, as well as the causes and consequences of family degradation. The 70 participants included distinguished figures of Dominican society.
Mr. Bernardo Cruz, national director of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, served as master of ceremonies. The speakers presented a profound analysis of the current reality of Dominican families and possible solutions to halt their deterioration.
The program began with motivational remarks by the national director of UPF, Mr. Leonidas Belliard. He noted that, while everyone recognizes the problems affecting families and acknowledges their importance, very few effective solutions have been proposed. He stressed the need to support strong marriages as the basis of strong families, which are the cornerstone of society.
Mrs. Alfida Fernandez, director of the Foundation Mujeres por la Patria (Women for the Homeland Foundation), offered an inspiring reflection on the family as the school of love. She shared a moving testimony of her 61 years of marriage, stressing that a healthy relationship is sustained by the daily decision to cultivate respect, love and tolerance.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Mr. Cesar Regalado, secretary general of UPF-Dominican Republic. His lecture on “The Family, Heart of the Nation,” presented the universal principles of UPF. He pointed out that the national constitution defines the family as the foundation of society, based on marriage between a man and a woman. Drawing on scientific data, he showed how civilizations have collapsed due to their own internal decay when they failed to uphold sexual purity and instead promoted promiscuity.
Dr. Soraya Aquino, presidential candidate of the Solidario Cristiano party, congratulated UPF for its consistent advocacy for family values and for its role as a member of the UN Economic and Social Council. She said that, in response to her presentation at an earlier UPF event, she had received an invitation to a dinner with US President Donald Trump. She added, “I share this testimony so that you may feel how important this institution is and how valuable it is to work for world peace. I hope you will study in depth the values and principles promoted by this institution, the Universal Peace Federation.”
Finally, guests shared personal experiences and insights from their respective fields of expertise. Closing remarks emphasized the need for collaboration, the importance of perseverance, and the commitment required to work decisively for the renewal and strengthening of families.
The program concluded with performances by Mr. Ricardo Angomás, a renowned traditional performer of socially themed songs, and Mrs. Andrea Mendoza, a singer of Christian songs, who elevated the atmosphere with her deeply spiritual renderings. Finally, Mrs. Cesarina Molina, a performer of popular songs, brought a touch of warmth and joy that resonated with everyone present.
At an additional event on May 28, UPF-Dominican Republic celebrated national Mother’s Day, which is the last Sunday of May. Two public servants were appointed as Ambassadors for Peace, including Colonel Diego Pesqueira, public relations officer of the National Police, who is widely respected by the public for his humane and compassionate way of treating citizens.
After receiving his appointment, Col. Pesqueira stated his commitment to practice the principles of peace, “for I am now committed to society to conduct myself in accordance with what this recognition represents – not only in society, but also in my home. Therefore, I will hang this certificate in the most visible place in my house and I will display it with great pride.”
