THE local government unit of Igbaras, Iloilo recently recognized 35 children-beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program who achieved top academic honors during the school year 2012-2013.
Elena Capangyarihan, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer of Igbaras, said the recognition aims to inspire children to continually excel in their classes despite of their family’s financial difficulties.
All 35 children, chosen from grade level 1 to fourth year high school, were first honors in their respective classes, said Pantawid Pamilya Municipal Link Rey Domingo.
Igbaras Health Officer Dra. Priscilla Gallo and DSWD6 Asst. Regional Director Joel P. Galicia hand over a token of recognition to Pantawid Pamilya child achiever with his mother.
Those recognized came from elementary schools in Bagay, Balibagan, Barasan, Buga, Calampitao, Cale-Indaluyon, Igcabugao, Igpigus, Igtalongon, Jovellar, Lumangan, Mulangan, Tabiac and Tigbanaba.
First honor pupils and students of Lutungan Primary School and Igtalongon National High School also received recognitions.
Assistant Regional Director Joel P. Galicia of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-6 (DSWD6) said the honorees proved the age-old adage that “poverty is never a hindrance to success.”
“These children came from poor families. But despite of the challenges and the sacrifices that they have to go through despite of their tender age, they were able to excel academically,” Galicia said.
“These children showed that the assistance their families receive from the national government through the Pantawid Pamilya program is not wasted,” he added.
The recognition was the highlight of the first ever Pantawid Pamilya Family Day celebration that the LGU of Igbaras conceived in line with their municipal fiesta.
Pantawid Pamilya is the national government’s program that invests in human capital to end the inter-generational cycle of poverty. Poor families with children aged 14 years old and below receive a maximum of P1,400 a month for their health and nutrition and their children’s education.
In Igbaras, more than 1,400 households are covered by Pantawid Pamilya. (DSWD6/Alma Jornadal-Estember)
Igbaras LGU awards children achievers of Pantawid Pamilya