TYPHOON Yolanda unleashed its fury in Panay Island almost a year ago but it failed to topple the spirit of a 10-year-old boy from Antique. Instead, it taught him a lesson.
Mark Lovel Bedona, 10 years of age, a pupil of Lacayon Elementary School in Bugasong, Antique and winner in the regional DSWD Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya children, said their house was destroyed by the typhoon. But it left a lesson for everyone.
“I will plant trees and I will not throw cellophane (usually locally interchanged with plastic) in my surroundings,” this he quipped in kinaray-a dialect when asked about how he could help save the environment.
Bedona has been on top of his class since kindergarten. He also earned awards as best in writing, math, reading, and, spelling. He is only on his fifth grade but displays prowess in painting.
He was also asked if how he could change their present life as a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiary, the young Antiqueno answerd, “I will study hard so that I will find a good job. That way, I could change our lives,” he said in kinaray-a.
Mark received a plaque and P10,000 cash prize and will represent Region 6 in the national search in Manila on the last week of the month.
Awarded second place was G. Bhe Lasala of Roxas City, Capiz while Shane Padonio of Victorias City, Negros Occidental was third.
The Pantawid Pamilya is the government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program which aims to send children to school and keep them healthy.
As part of the nation’s celebration of Children’s Month every October, the National Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children, carrying the tagline, “Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago,” is part of the National Children’s Congress that aims to emphasize the importance of the role of the child within the Filipino family and in nation-building. The search will also identify a pool of children advocates.
It is expected that the search will encourage children to become responsible not only in complying with the conditions and the ideals of the program but more so in becoming outstanding citizens who will be emulated by children and even adults./dswd6/May Rago-Castillo