CHILDREN-beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from different provinces in Western Visayas showed off their talents and wit during the recently-held Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children.

Chosen to represent their respective city and province were Ana Kristine Tipono of Poblacion, Caluya, Antique; Zyril Joy Evangelista of Brgy. Ma-ao Barrio, Bago City, Negros Occidental; Darrel John Flores of Brgy. Sooc, Arevalo, Iloilo City; Jhon Lloyd Ordas of Brgy. Dumatad, Tangalan, Aklan; and Princess Mae Bautista of Poblacion, Sapian, Capiz.

Joel P. Galicia, Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development VI (DSWD6) said the Search aims to recognize children of Pantawid Pamilya families who serve as excellent examples in their household, school and community.

“This is now our second year of conducting this Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children. This contest involves children aged 10-14 years old who are found to be compliant to the conditions of Pantawid Pamilya, with good scholastic standing, active in extra-curricular and community activities, and more importantly, talented,” said Galicia.

The Search, held at the Grand Tower Suites, Iloilo City, included a talent showcase and a question and answer portion. Showing support to the children were their respective parents, City and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers, and staff of the Pantawid Pamilya Provincial Operations Offices.

Sitting in as judges were Information Officers Larry Tabsing of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and Lilibeth French of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), media personalities Raymart Escopel of Panay News and Jovani Gustilo of GMA TV6’s Arangkada, and DSWD6 officers Joel P. Galicia and Asuncion M. Santiago.

Proclaimed regional winner was 13-year-old Bautista of Sapian, Capiz. She will represent Region VI in the national level completion to be conducted in Manila as the highlight of the National Children’s Congress (NCC) on October 1-5.

Thirteen-year-old Tipono of Caluya, Antique and 14-year-old Flores of Iloilo City were adjudged second and third place winners, respectively. The top three winners get to receive cash prizes worth P5,000, P3,000 and P2,000 accordingly. Certificates were given to all the contestants and consolation prizes to non-winners.

Galicia said all five exemplary children will also get to attend the NCC in Manila along with their parents. (DSWD6/ Alma Jornadal-Estember)