𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬 𝐈𝐏 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝟒𝐏𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐮𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬

ILOILO City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI, through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), conducted the Regional Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya and 4Ps Exemplary Children as part of the celebration of National Family Month.

During the awarding ceremony, the Villanueva family of Buenavista, Guimaras was declared Champion in the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya category, while Rosendo G. Suriaga of Pandan, Antique emerged as the Champion in the 4Ps Exemplary Children category.

The Villanueva family received PHP30,000 cash prize and a plaque, while Suriaga received PHP10,000 cash prize and a plaque.

For the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya category, the Labrador family of Tapaz, Capiz was named 1st Runner-up, receiving PHP10,000 cash, while the family of Emilia Caballes of Malay, Aklan was declared 2nd Runner-up and received PHP8,000 cash. The prize was personally received by Emilia together with her son, Kirby Orley. Two other regional finalists also received PHP3,000 consolation prizes each: the Ybañez family of Barbaza, Antique and the Parcon family of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

Meanwhile, in the 4Ps Exemplary Children category, Mary Jean G. Magpusao of Malay, Aklan was named 1st Runner-up, receiving PHP8,000, while Gwen E. Young of Jordan, Guimaras placed 2nd Runner-up and received PHP5,000. The other regional finalists, Sophea M. Alido of Maasin, Iloilo and Zymon V. Balbona of Ivisan, Capiz, each received PHP2,000 consolation prizes.

In her message, Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) Belen P. Gebusion, who represented Regional Director Joselito G. Estember and ARDO Katherine Joy A. Lamprea, emphasized that the search serves as a platform to showcase how families, when provided with opportunities and support through the program, can transform their lives and pursue their dreams.

She also highlighted that the activity provides an opportunity for the public, particularly taxpayers, to see the positive outcomes of government investments in social protection.

“This is also a platform to let the general public, especially the taxpayers, know that their taxes paid to the government are already creating an impact. We see talented children, responsible parents, and families who are contributing to their communities and to nation-building,” Gebusion said.

She encouraged everyone to continue recognizing the achievements of 4Ps families and the program’s contribution to developing productive and responsible families.

“Let us not get tired of going back to this celebration and recognizing how the program contributes to building the kind of families we expect to be productive and contributory to nation-building,” she said.

Gebusion further emphasized that the search goes beyond recognizing winners. It demonstrates that Filipino families, when given the right opportunities and support, have the capacity to transform their lives and create a better future for the next generation.

“Let us not forget the purpose of this search. The DSWD aims to showcase and demonstrate that, when given the chance, every Filipino family has the capacity to transform and renew their lives so that the next generation of citizens will no longer be known as 4Ps beneficiaries, but as progressive and successful families,” she said.

“The DSWD will not get tired of ensuring that every family receives the support and opportunities they deserve to help them break the cycle of poverty,” Gebusion added.

She also expressed her appreciation to the Board of Judges from various National Government Agencies and academe particularly to Atty. Arnold Molina of the Commission of Human Rights-6, Lilibeth French of the Philippine News Agency – 6, Harren Christopher Fegarido of the Philhealth-6, and Dr. Mercedes Monsale of Guimaras State University.

Dir. Gebusion special mentioned also the 4Ps Division–Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) led by OIC Division Chief Darlyn Joy Saliendra, Provincial links namely Jeffrey Gabucay of Antique POO, Mary Grace Solinap of Capiz POO, Stephen Suajico of Aklan POO, Emile O. Oralde of Iloilo-Guimaras POO, City/ Municipal Links, partner Local Government Units represented by their MSWDO particularly MSWD Officer Jerre Mae B. Prado of Malay, Aklan.

Also, the Social Marketing Section led by Regional Information Officer Therese Fely A. Legaste who was also one of the judges, the Regional Information and Communications Technology Management Section (RICTMS) led by its head Reynante Suamen, program host Efrain Mendoza of Iloilo-Guimaras POO, and everyone who contributed to the success of the annual search and celebration.

Meanwhile, Christian B. Baldonasa, Regional Program Coordinator for Administration, challenged the 4Ps children regional finalists to strive for success in their chosen careers so they can help their families break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

For the families, he emphasized that parents and children should work together to achieve their shared goals and build a better future.

Meanwhile, he encouraged 4Ps staff to continue documenting and sharing inspiring stories that can motivate fellow 4Ps families and the general public./mgc
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