KRISTINE Claire Auman has been inspired to work hard for her future as she was inspired by being a “Batang Pantawid” of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 7.

In previous academic years, the 12-year-old native of Barangay Poblacion, Daanbantayan in northern Cebu was always active in her school and community. She joined curricular and extracurricular activities.

Auman received several recognitions, including Girl Scout of the Year. An honor student, she participated in inter-school competitions.

In spite of her pursuit of academic excellence, Auman also does not neglect to nourish her faith. She is the leader of their church’s youth organization.

Auman kept her medals, a reminder of her accomplishments in the past and an inspiration of what she could do in the future.

She said she is determined to finish her studies with the help of her supportive family, the assistance from the government through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and her faith.

Auman’s family became a beneficiary of the Pantawid program in 2011. At the time, her father, the only breadwinner, struggled to find a steady job to feed the family.

Auman said she draws her inspiration from her parents who toiled to raise them, to send them to school and to put food on the table thrice a day.

She believes that finishing her studies and being kind to people will help move her family’s life out of poverty and enable her to achieve her dreams.

Auman shared in her written testimony that the Pantawid program has helped her family achieve a stable life.

“As a Pantawid beneficiary, I valued education like a lamp that illuminates,” Auman said.

She further said: “The program greatly helps us, especially in our studies. It gives hope to people who struggle to live each day.”

Auman said the Pantawid program helps her family in acquiring school supplies, uniforms and nutritious meals. It also inspires them to do better in their studies.

“I will not waste this blessing from the Lord,” she said.

Auman was supposed to walk on stage wearing a toga to receive her awards in March 2020. However, the event did not happen because of the public health crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

With her clear vision of tomorrow, Auman is optimistic that the pandemic the world is experiencing right now will never hinder her dreams because it will not last forever.