Malate, Manila – On October 11, 2019, Jilian Vianca Perez from Baco, Oriental Mindoro emerged as the champion in the Regional Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children 2019 of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) at Best Western Hotel La Corona Manila, Malate, Manila.

Jilian, 13 , bested other 4 nominees from the different provinces of the region due to her characteristics and attitude that exemplify a model child who can serve as an advocate of the program. Growing up near the coastal area, where their family relies on to earn a living, she has developed her great love for nature. At her young age, she is active in different community activities which aims to protect the environment such as mangrove planting and clean and green program.  According to Jilian, she can be of help to the environment and her community by starting to do small things like segregating wastes and properly disposing of garbage.

Meanwhile, Audrey Nicole Teologo from Looc, Romblon was awarded as the 1st runner-up while Allyssa Jane Nacasi from Dumaran, Palawan won as the 2nd runner-up. Francine  Kieth Paglicawan from Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro and Aira Quimora from Baco, Marinduque was awarded as the 3rd runner-up and 4th runner-up, respectively.

All winners were awarded with plaque and cash prizes. The panel of judges for the regional search were Angeles Casabuena from Department of Education (DepEd) MIMAROPA, Criza Calabon from Department of Health (DOH) MIMAROPA, Glaize Anne Ordenes from Commission on Population (POPCOM) MIMAROPA, and Concepcion Deymos and OIC Regional Director Floreceli Gunio from DSWD MIMAROPA.

Other than awarding the model children, the event became an avenue to also recognize the Romero Family from San Agustin, Romblon, who won in the Regional Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya 2019 which was conducted on July this year. The Pantawid Pamilya Art Contest winners were also awarded where the Nabuslot National High School Videography Group from Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro won as champion in the Videography Category and the Third Pitch from Corcuera, Romblon won the 1st place in the Song Writing Category.

Jilian will represent the region in the National Children’s Congress on November as the program’s advocate for children’s right on health and education. #