The Department of Social Welfare and Development led the award rites of the 2016 Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya on Saturday at the Commission on Audit Sports and Cultural Center in Quezon City.
The annual search recognizes outstanding Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) family beneficiaries who maintain strong family ties, demonstrate positive Filipino values, and have a positive impact on the community where they reside.
The five finalists chosen from the 18 regional winners are Bulso family of Dipaculao, Aurora; Castillo family of Lemery, Batangas; Masamoc family of Aroroy, Masbate; Tacda family of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras; and Garay family of Jagna, Bohol.
It was first launched in 2012 to highlight the role of the Filipino family in building a stronger nation.
The search also aims to document the impact of the Family Development Sessions (FDS), one of the unique 4Ps conditionalities.
The contest also encourages Pantawid Pamilya families to show how hard work improved their lives and inspire others to do the same.
Their stories are narrated in the program with pictures and videos posted around to give hope to other beneficiaries.
“We acknowledge the contribution of our families in development, but we also recognize the challenges that they are confronted with. The department has always been committed to empowering our families,” said DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.
Taguiwalo added that in 2017, 1.5 million families are expected to transition and move forward after being provided with other interventions.
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a social protection program that invests in the health and education of poor households, primarily of children 18 years old and below.
It helps children finish their elementary and high school studies.
At the same time, the government keeps them healthy by requiring them to regularly visit health centers.
The program also teaches pregnant mothers to have pre-natal check-ups and give birth in health facilities to avoid infant and maternal deaths.
Currently, 4.3 million households are part of the program.
The program started in 2008 during the term of then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
It was continued by Arroyo’s successors.
“We take pride in the families awarded today. These model families have shown that through hard work and determination aided with government subsidy, they will be able to uplift their families and their communities as well,” Taguiwalo said.