01 September 2025 – Makati City — A Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) child beneficiary from the Province of Romblon was declared Champion in the Regional Search for Exemplary Children 2025 held on 29 August 2025 at Tiara Oriental Hotel, Makati City.

Organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA through the 4Ps Regional Program Management Office, the annual search highlights the talents, intelligence, and leadership of 4Ps children who continue to inspire positive change in their families, schools, and communities.

The event opened with preliminaries facilitated by the 4Ps RPMO and an inspirational message from Assistant Regional Director for Operations Sheila S. Tapia, who underscored the significance of nurturing young leaders through the program.

“The Exemplary Child Search is more than a competition—it is a platform that recognizes the resilience and excellence of our Pantawid children. They are living proof that with the right support and opportunities, our youth can rise as advocates of change and leaders of tomorrow,” said ARD Tapia.

The contestants competed in several segments including the Panel Interview, Talent Portion, Provincial Representation Attire Walk, and Question and Answer Portion, with intermission numbers and inspirational messages from former exemplary children adding depth to the program.

Comprising the distinguished panel of judges were DSWD MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director Tapia, Marvyn A. Purificacion of the Council for the Welfare of Children, Armi A. Martinez of Share An Opportunity Philippines, Jocelyn F. Remigio of Global Peace Foundation Philippines, and Maria Alyssa L. Esguerra-Casulla of the University of the Philippines – Philippine Institute for Development Studies, who assessed the performances of the participants.

After a day of rigorous competition, Romblon emerged as Regional Champion, followed by Marinduque as 1st Runner-Up, Palawan as 2nd Runner-Up, Oriental Mindoro as 3rd Runner-Up, and Occidental Mindoro as 4th Runner-Up.

Adding inspiration to the event was the testimony of Jemuel, once a 4Ps-monitored child who candidly shared his humble beginnings.

“Noon, kailangan pa naming manghingi para makumpleto ang pagkain sa araw-araw. Mahirap, pero hindi kami sumuko. Unti-unting bumuti ang buhay namin dahil sa sipag ng pamilya ko at sa alalay ng programa. Ngayon, isa na akong engineer. Patunay ako na kapag may pangarap, tiyaga, at tamang suporta, kayang makamit ng isang batang mahirap ang tagumpay,” Jemuel shared, drawing resounding applause from the audience.

Rabia O. De Jesus, 2024 Regional Exemplary Child, was also featured during the event, which concluded with closing messages from Mr. Purificacion, Chair of the Board of Judges, and Mx. Reji A. Pancho, Regional Program Coordinator.

The success of the activity was made possible through the support of partners and sponsors from Cherry Cares by MSN Foundation Inc., who provided tablets, a Smart TV, a Smart BP monitoring device, and a speaker; the Global Peace Foundation Philippines, who generously extended Php20,000 cash assistance; GCash and the Council for the Welfare of Children, who gave gift packs; while the National Museum of the Philippines hosted an educational tour for the finalists.

The Pantawid Pamilya Regional Search for Exemplary Children 2025 stood as a testament to the resilience, excellence, and potential of children in MIMAROPA—empowering them to become future leaders and advocates of change.