Sixty child-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program commit towards helping improve their respective families during the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Children’s Congress conducted in celebration of the National Children’s Month last November 10-11, 2016 in Lucena City.
These child-beneficiaries are model Pantawid Pamilya children in their respective cities / municipalities who showcase good behavior, academic performance and compliance to Pantawid Pamilya program conditions.
“Kabataan man kami ngayon, naghahanda na kami para sa darating na panahon. Lahat kami ay mayroong determinasyon at dedikasyon para matupad ang aming mga pangarap,” shared April Joy Lunar, one of the participants in the activity from Lucban, Quezon.
The Children’s Congress highlighted the roles of children in the development of their families and communities as well as encouraged the Pantawid Pamilya children that despite financial difficulties, they should not give up in the achievement of their dreams.
DSWD IV-A Asst. Regional Director for Administration Mylah Gatchalian, in her message to the participants, encouraged the children and their parents to continue dreaming to improve their lives.
“Ang gobyerno, lalo na ang Pantawid Pamilya, ay patuloy na pinapalakas ang bawat pamilya dahil naniniwala kami na ito ang pundasyon ng isang matatag na komunidad. Hindi magiging matagumpay ang mga kabataan kung walang maayos na suporta at pagmamahal mula sa kani-kanilang mga pamilya,” she added.
During the Children’s Congress, various activities were conducted including lectures, games and workshops relating to leadership, power of children’s dreams and impact of the Pantawid Pamilya in their lives.
Michaella Remolona, another participant from Tayabas City, Quezon, shared that poverty will not prevent them from achieving their dreams.
“Natutunan ko rito na kailangan naming magsikap, magtiis at magtiyaga para matupad ang aming mga pangarap at kailanman ay hindi magiging hadlang ang kahirapan para maabot namin ang mga ito,” Remolona said.
Brizielle Ann De Villa of Sta. Maria, Laguna shared that she learned to not give up on her dreams.
Recognition of exemplary children
During the culminating activity, the DSWD Field Office IV-A also recognized the provincial and regional winners of the Search of Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children 2016.
The said Search is a yearly activity that recognizes child-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program who serve as good examples at home, in their school and in their respective communities.
Rose Ann Dela Cruz, 10, from Brgy. Lakdayan in San Narciso, Quezon is this year’s regional winner of the said Search.
At a young age, she has exemplified good behavior and active school and community participation.
“Sana po sa maliliit na bagay na ginagawa ko at sa pagiging modelo ko, maging inspirasyon ako ng mga kabataan para tuloy-tuloy na mangarap at kamtin ang mga pangarap sa kabila ng mga hamon sa buhay,” shared Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz will represent the region in the national competition.
Other regional awardees are Jayzel Arocha of Angono, Rizal and April Joy Gerola of Trece Martires City, Cavite. Provincial winners are Auxtero Marcelino (Antipolo City); Joselito Diaz Jr. (Imus City); Kianne Marie De Torres (Nasugbu, Batangas); Paul Jhenlei Gabi (San Pascual, Batangas); Charles Miguel Barba (Majayjay, Laguna); King Abraham Cabuscabus (Kalayaan, Laguna), and; Cherry Lyn Villanueva (San Francisco, Quezon).#