THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 has picked 12 Pantawid-beneficiary families from Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental to receive its award for serving as role models to other families.
Officials of the DSWD 7 will honor the families during the provincial awarding ceremonies this month of June.
“These families exemplified strong family ties, demonstrated positive Filipino values and they created a positive impact in their respective communities,” said DSWD 7 Director Rebecca P. Geamala.
All the provincial first placers will compete in the regional level search in July 2019.
The Bohol provincial winner is the Batac family in Balilihan town, while the second and third placers are the Busalanan family in Dagohoy and Palingcod family in Batuan, respectively.
In Cebu, the provincial winner is the Elardo family in Badian. The second placer is the Vaflor family in Cordova, while the third placer is the Ejes family in Bantayan.
The Negros Oriental provincial winners are the Bohol family in Mabinay, first place; Villego family in Basay, second place; and Esteral family in Siaton, third place.
Siquijor’s provincial winners include the Taroc family in Maria, first place; Astillero family in San Juan, second place; and Ponce family in Lazi, third place.
Geamala said the stories of the model families are inspirational and worthy of emulation by other Pantawid Pamilya family-beneficiaries.
“Through this Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya search, we can disprove the misconception that the program’s beneficiaries have become too dependent on government aid. The program underscores the value of working together to achieve success,” Geamala said.
She said the model familes were chosen based on the following criteria: strong family ties and harmonious relationship while upholding Filipino values despite the challenges of poverty (25 percent); family practices and promotion of healthy living and environment care (20 percent); family involvement in community activities (20 percent); family as inspiration to others in the community (20 percent); and the family strives to improve living conditions amid the difficult situation (15 percent).
The provincial winners will receive cash prizes and certificates of recognition.
The judges during the provincial search were from partner civil society organizations, national government agencies the Department of Health, the Department of Education, the Philippine Information Agency, and provincial governments of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. (S)