GUIMARAS’ 4Ps MODEL FAMILIES, EXEMPLARY CHILDREN RECOGNIZED

A family from Barangay Tacay in the Municipality of Buenavista and a student from the Municipality of San Lorenzo are this year’s winners of the Search for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino (4Ps) Huwarang Pamilya and Exemplary Child in the Province of Guimaras during the activity held on June 24, 2024 at the Cresente P. Chavez Central School in San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.

Quenny Joy Asgar, a Grade 8 student at Dr. Catalino G. Nava Memorial High School, bested four other candidates from different municipalities and will represent the Province of Guimaras in the regional Search for Exemplary Children of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). She also bagged several minor awards: Best in Interview, Best in Production Number, Best in Documentation, and Darling of the Crowd. She took home a cash prize of Php 12,500 (Php 5,500 from the Provincial Government of Guimaras; Php 5,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development; Php 2,000 from Governor JC Rahman A. Nava). Denise Chezka Gajo of the Municipality of Sibunag was declared first runner-up and received Php 8,000. She also snatched the Best in Talent award. Ackerleigh Olexie Panaguiton of Nueva Valencia placed second runner-up and took home Php 6,000. Candidates Rice Irish Lacar from Buenavista and Kyle Gabriel Enrique of the Municipality of Jordan received Php 3,000 respectively as consolation prize.

Meanwhile, the family of Freddie and Mary Joy Jallores from the Municipality of Buenavista was hailed as the province’s 2024 Huwarang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino. They have received a cash prize of Php 7,000 from the Provincial Government of Guimaras and Governor JC Rahman A. Nava. The Escarpe Family of San Lorenzo placed first runner-up and received Php 5,500; Tinas family of Igang, Nueva Valencia was hailed second runner-up and received Php 4,500; Cordero family from Sabang, Sibunag and Estilloro family of Balcon Melliza in Jordan received Php 4,000 respetively as consolation prize.

Governor Nava lauded the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other stakeholders for honoring the outstanding beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. 4Ps had brought great impact in meeting the needs of poor families, especially their children according to the local chief executive.

“May impact sa aton pamilya nga benipisyaryo, ilabi na gid sa ila mga kabataan. Ini siguro nagapamatu-od nga ang ini nga programa yara na nasabat ang kinahanglanon sang aton nga mga pamilya ilabi na gid sa pagsabat sang kinahanglanon sang aton kabataan,” he said.

Governor Nava disclosed that he was one of the lawmakers who have defended the budget for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Congress during his stint as a lawmaker.

“Malapit ini nga programa sa akon kay sang pag-umpisa niya scale up, ako natabu-an nga nag-sponsor ni sa Kongreso sang budget niya. Dumdom ko gani sang una daw punggan gid nila. Pero eventually nakita ko nga year by year, naga-amat-amat realize man ang iban nga ara sa gobyerno kag gin-embrace nila ang ini nga programa. First year nadumduman ko, kada session sobra walo ka oras ko nga gatindog sa plenaryo kay damo-damo nga mga congressman nagapamangkot. Sa second year daw amo-amo man gihapon. Pero sa ika-tatlo nga tu-ig sang depensa naton sa 4Ps, wala pa nakaabot si anay Secretary Dinky Soliman, na-approve namon ang budget sang 4Ps,” Governor Nava said.

The Search for 4Ps Huwarang Pamilya and Exemplary Children recognizes family and children beneficiaries who are able to comply with the conditions set by the progran, sustain family togetherness, and become active citizens in their communities despite the challenges brought about by poverty.