Malate, Manila – On June 4, 2019, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA announced the Romero Family of Brgy. Bachawan, San Agustin, Romblon as this year’s Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya 2019.The Search which commenced on 2012, was conducted yearly to showcase the improvement in the lives of the family beneficiaries as the fruits of their own hard work and inspire the whole country despite the challenges they experience brought about by poverty.

The Romero Family is an active beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program since 2010. Tess, the mother, is a sales lady, while Felix, the father, is a farmer and is serving as a barangay kagawad. The couple has seven children namely: John Paul, Dannica Joy, John Vincent, April Joy, Felix III, Princess Ella May, and John Angelo.

Tess and Felix’s income cannot always provide the needs of their children especially in school.  Hence, they raise their children to be contented on what they have and to be more understanding of their situation. As the children experience the hardships in life due to poverty, they become more determined to work hard to improve the life of their family. All of their children excels in school and they are also active in different school and community activities.

“Nagsisikap po kami talagang magkakapatid kasi gusto namin na masukllian ang pagod nila Mama at Papa at sila naman ay mabigyan ng kaginhawaan,” said April Joy, the 4th child.

Dannica Joy, the second child, has graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology in 2018. When she and her eldest brother, John Paul, were both in college, John Paul has to stop going to school to work as a security guard in Manila to help in financing the needs of their siblings. But as soon as Dannica Joy graduated, Felix encouraged John Paul to continue studying so he can fulfill his dream of graduating in college.

The family has also been inspiring their community not only because of their strong family relationship but also because of their compassion to others. Through the leadership and initiative of Felix, a foot bridge was built to cross the river dividing Sitio Iso and Sitio Agnaga.

“Dati rati po kasi tumatawid sila ng sapa habang pasan pasan ang kanilang mga kopra tapos ang mga estudyante malayo naman ang nilalakad para hindi mabasa ng tubig,” narrated Felix. Because of this, he encouraged the community members in both sitios to join together to create a foot bridge. Felix’s family provided foods for the volunteers until the construction of the bridge has finished.

Ultimately, the Romero Family maintain a God-centered life, demonstrated positive Filipino values, and created an impact to their community. With their acts of kindness, respect, humility, and love, the family has been recognized as a huwarang pamilya.

Aside from the Romero family, four families from other provinces of the region has also been recognized. The Orense Family of Bansud, Oriental Mindoro has been awarded the 2nd place, while the Sucidor Family of Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro got the 3rd place. The Cayapas Family of Roxas, Palawan and the Acuzar of Gasan, Marinduque got the 4th and 5th place, respectively.

On September 29, 2019, the Romero Family will represent the MIMAROPA Region in the National Family Day Congress to be conducted in Metro Manila. They will also be invited to be awarded during the DSWD MIMAROPA’s Regional Search for Exemplary Children 2019 on October 11, 2019 also in Metro Manila.