“Masaya palang maging bata!”

For children deprived of the luxuries of the world, enjoying life usually comes second.

“Sa dami kasi ng role ko sa buhay—maging estudyante, anak, kaibigan, kapatid, tagalinis, tagaluto at iba pa—nakakalimutan ko na ako pala’y bata pa,” shared Jazzy Claire Depusoy, 12, a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from Brgy. IX, Lucena City.

Jazzy is one of the more than 50 child-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya program who participated in the recently held National Children’s Congress (NCC) in Sequoia Hotel, Quezon City.

The said activity, with the theme “Bata, Kaya Mo ang Pagbabago,” gathered the top three exemplary child-beneficiaries of the Pantawid program of each region. It highlighted how children can achieve their dreams and participate in development.

Dir. Leonardo Reynoso, the National Program Manager of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, shared in his message to the children to dream for their families and achieve them. He encouraged each participant to use the opportunity provided by the program to develop their potentials in school so they can help themselves, their families and their communities in the future.

“Marami akong natutunan dito, at ngayon, mas may lakas loob na akong sabihing masarap maging bata at kaya ko ang pagbabago,” she added.

 

Bata, kaya mo ang pagbabago

The NCC has provided different activities for the children through workshops and games—which guided the participants on their important roles in their families and communities as well as in their roles towards nation-building.

Jazzy emphasized that though children belonging to poor families may be busy studying hard to achieve their dreams and performing their obligations at home, they must not forget that they are still children and must enjoy their lives.

“Karapatan din po naming mag-enjoy at maglibang,” she shared as one of his learning from the activity.

Mark Anthony Corpuz, 14, another child-participant from Brgy. Masinao, Sta. Maria, Laguna shared that the activities helped him develop his self-confidence, resourcefulness and creativeness, which he knows will help him in achieving his dreams.

“Dahil sa mga activities dito, naging bukas sa aking isipan na kaya kong abutin ang aking mga pangarap,” shared Mark Anthony.

 

Becoming an inspiration

The NCC was also the venue for the awarding of the 2014 Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago National Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children.

The said Search is conducted annually to give recognition to exemplary child-beneficiaries of the program who serve as good examples in their respective homes, schools and communities.

“Kayong lahat ay mga katangi-tanging kabataan na produkto ng Pantawid Pamilya. Patuloy kayong mangarap at hikayatin ang ibang mga bata na maging kapuri-puri at makatulong sa pamilya at sa komunidad,” Dir. Reynoso enjoined the children.

Daisy Peñano, a resident of Brgy. Kaysuyo, Alfonso, Cavite and the regional nominee of the CALABARZON Region to the said Search, ranked third from nominees from Regions IV-B and XII among at least 15 contenders from across the country.

She was awarded second runner-up after showcasing her story-telling talent and her wit during the question and answer segment. She received a plaque of recognition and Php15,000 cash prize.

Daisy, 13, is currently in Grade 8 in Kaysuyo National High School. She is a consistent honor student, a student leader and writer, and is often her school’s delegates to various inter-school competitions such as quiz bees, slogan writing, poster making and journalism.

 

Bawat bata ay espesyal

Daisy shared that after all the activities in the NCC, she realized that children like her are important and every child must recognize this.

“Kahit pala wala kaming super powers ay superheroes pa rin kami,” said Daisy as she is reminded by one of the activities in the NCC where they crafted their superhero costumes and stories.

She added that as long as children believe in themselves and their talents, they can change the world on their own.

“Lahat ng natutunan namin dito ay ibabahagi namin sa iba para lahat ng bata ay mas lalo nilang maunawaan na sila ay espesyal at kaya ng bawat isa ang pagbabago,” she said.***