Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya from Benguet

BRIGHT  SPOTS

Carlito Dar

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The family of Gentry and Preciosa Tam-awen from Kapangan,  Benguet  bested six other entries  in winning  the 2015 Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya Regional Search recently I Baguio.

A Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program family beneficiary since 2011, Gentry and Preciosa have five children- three boys and two girls. All academic achievers the family is an active member of the church and the community.

The family lives in barangay Taba-ao in Kapangan. To reach their house, one has to walk for around 40 minutes to an hour through a concrete pathway but this does not hamper the spirit of the Tam-awen children in  pursuing  their studies.

The three Tam-awen boys are now in college and all scholars. PaulleJesrael is at third year college and a University Glee Club member and scholar  at Benguet State University(BSU)  while Zion Jemillinium and Kym Christian  are both DOST scholars enrolled  also at  BSU. The two younger girls are  in high school and  also academic achievers.

For their achievement, the Tam-awen family received  plaque of recognition and cash prize from the judges and  Department of Social Welfare and Development Office –Cordillera regional director Janet Armas and 4Ps regional program coordinator Cecille Basawil.

They will also  represent the region in the national search set later this year and  be resource person to share their experiences from the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program to other 4Ps beneficiaries in the region.

The Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya is an annual search of the DSWD  to give due recognition to model 4Ps household beneficiaries who maintain strong family ties, demonstrate positive Filipino values and have a positive impact in the community they reside.

The model 4Ps family representatives  from Baguio City, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province and Kalinga were judges based on their strong family ties, harmonious relationship and positive Filipino values; practice and promotion of healthy living and  care of the environment; active involvement in the community;  how they inspire other members of their community; and on how they work to improve their living condition amidst difficulties and challenges.

The  judges were Dr. Mary Jane Muñoz,  Cresencio Gamay of the Department of Education, Imelda Tenorio of the Family Independent Baptist Church and DJ Jefferson Liqutte of FM station My Only Radio.

The regional search  was a learning and sharing experiences for the regional finalists  who enjoyed  a day of camaraderie with each family sharing a talent number.