Bishop Jose Alan Dialogo urges families to bring back the family table

Bishop Jose Alan Dialogo urged families to return to shared meals without electronic gadgets during an interfaith forum at the University of the Philippines Bonifacio Global City on Sept. 29, 2026. Speaking at the Interfaith Family Forum: Families as Foundation of Peace, the Bishop of Sorsogon said the dining table allows family members to discuss their day and recognize each other's needs.

Dialogo, who chairs the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, said parents must remain the primary influence on their children as social media, gadgets, and artificial intelligence increase. He told Radio Veritas that a lack of communication, love, and concern within the home can leave children vulnerable to outside influences. He encouraged parents to strengthen communication, concern, and respect at home.