CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Luzon on Monday, October 16, announced the winners of the 2017 Regional Search for “Pantawid Exemplary Child.”

DSWD-Central Luzon Director Gemma Gabuya said that Zambales Grade 7 student Dianne Kate Chumatay from Sitio Acoje, Sta. Cruz town was recognized for having the most exemplary character and took home the P10,000 cash prize and a plaque of recognition.

She said that 12-year-old Chumatay is a consistent honor student and a member of the Kankanaey tribe, a group of indigenous people who are known in the field of agriculture. Her family is engaged in farming and tree planting.

Chumatay will be the region’s representative to the national search this November.

With Chumatay in the top list are Jhon Lawrence Soriano of Maria Aurora in Aurora, first runner up who brought home the P7,000 cash prize and plaque of recognition, Clarence Isaac Mindo of Malolos City, Bulacan finished second runner up and received P5,000 and a plaque of recognition.

“The search aims to recognize the youth especially the children-beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya who serve as excellent models in their respective households, schools, and communities,” Gabuya said.

“The youth is our potential and responsible partners in nation-building that’s why one of the responsibilities of the government is to ensure and provide complete, appropriate, and suitable facilities wherein they can have enough knowledge and wisdom to contribute in achieving progress and development in the community,” Gabuya added.

This year’s search carries the theme “Bata May Magagawa Ka, Iligtas ang Sarili at Bayan sa Droga” which supports the war on drugs campaign of the Duterte administration.