In an adage by Rizal, “The children are the future of our generation.” It is only right that the country invests in the welfare and development of these young minds. True to its goal in promoting the welfare of the children, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) together with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) held the National Children’s Congress (NCC) last October 22-26, 2013 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). To be able to recognize the importance of the young people in the development of our society, the annual activity invited different bright minds and engage them in various activities where they can present their insights on how they can contribute in the betterment of their community.
The participants in the NCC are also Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries from the 17 regions nationwide. Considered talented and lead students in their school and community, the participants were divided into groups and engaged in different workshops to showcase their knowledge, skills, and talents.
Moreover, as a tradition, the National Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children was also held during the NCC. On the last night of the NCC, October 25, the top six regions including Shemiah Pineda from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro competed against each other. The criteria composed of 40% from panel interview and 60% from votes of their fellow participants in the congress. Shemiah cried during her interview as she was asked about her parent’s absence in the family. “I just can’t help it whenever I am asked about them,” says Shemiah, but nevertheless, she emerged as a young, strong girl as she continues to study hard to achieve her dreams. At the age of 10, their father left their family while her mother also has to be away for work in Metro Manila to be able to provide their needs. She also arises as a leader and an active student despite her situation at home.
In the talent night, Shemiah again performed her declamation piece from the regional search entitled “Memories” and sang an all-time favorite “Dance with my Father”. Shemiah won 30,000 pesos cash prize and a plaque. Shemiah, together with her grandmother, Melania Mendoza happily received the award.
The other regions who competed were Ilocos Region, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas Region, and Cordillera Administrative Region. This is the second time in a row that the representative from DSWD IV-MiMaRoPa won in the said national search.
