ERMITA, MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MiMaRoPa held the Regional Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children and Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya at Best Western Hotel La Corona Manila last September 5, 2014. The annual activity aims to recognize beneficiaries who serve as excellent examples in their households, schools, and communities.

Regional Director Wilma D. Naviamos said in her welcome remarks, “Ginagawa natin ang mga patimpalak na ito upang kilalanin ang mga modelong bata at pamilya na nagpupursige sa kabila ng kanilang mga kahirapan sa buhay. Nais din nating patuloy na linangin ang kanilang talino, talent at abilidad upang masigurong makakamit nila ang kanilang mga mithiin sa buhay.”

For the Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya, provincial winners from the provinces of Palawan, Romblon, Marinduque and Oriental and Occidental Mindoro vie for the title to represent the region in the national search. All the contestants possess excellent academic and extra-curricular backgrounds. They were active in participating in various school and community activities. They were also judged based on their talent and intelligence through a talent and question and answer portion.

At the end of the search, Jemuel Steven Mago, 13, from San Agustin, Romblon emerged as the regional winner capturing the hearts of the judges and audience with his passionate declamation and heartfelt answer. “Ang katangian na meron po ako na pwede pong tularan ng kapwa ko po mga bata ay ang pagiging masipag. Hindi ko po itinuturing ang sarili kong sobrang matalino pero dahil masipag po akong mag-aral, unti-unti ko nalang po nakikita na umaangat na pala ako sa klase,” said Jemuel when asked about the best quality he has that other children can look up to.

Jemuel received Php10,000 and a plaque as the regional winner. On the other hand, Paul Darryl Marco from Pola, Oriental Mindoro; Joyce Ann Sayong from Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; Chednie Marie Portento from Sta. Cruz, Marinduque; and Jenevev Guerero from Quezon, Palawan were the first, second, third and fourth runner-ups who each received Php8,000, Php7,000, Php6,000 and Php5,000 with plaques, respectively.

Moreover, awarding of the Regional Search for the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya was also conducted. The top three families from the provinces of Palawan, Occidental Mindoro and Marinduque namely: Bacaltos, Halili, and Rosales attended the event. The regional office deliberated the five provinces and chose the top three families. The families were then validated in their respective homes interviewing each and everyone as well as their neighbors, fellow members in the program and barangay officials.

The Bacaltos family from Aborlan, Palawan was named the regional winner while the Halili family and Rosales family were the first and second runner-ups receiving Php10,000, Php8,000 and Php7,000, respectively with certificates of recognition.

The activity was attended by the provincial and regional staff. It was also graced by Director Patricia Luna of Council for the Welfare of Children, who was also one of the judges in the Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children. ###