The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will lead the homecoming of the six national winners of the Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya on September 29, 2019 at the SM City North Edsa Sky Dome during the Pantawid Pamilya National Family Day celebration.

The National Family Day carries the theme, “Pamilyang Pilipino: Taas-noo sa buong mundo,” which recognizes the dignity and significance of the daily strive of family-beneficiaries against poverty. The theme, likewise, reflects the family-beneficiaries’ willingness to end poverty within their households and achieve the kind of development they collectively want according to their principles.

Since 2012, DSWD, through the event, has been recognizing family-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who are able to comply with program conditionalities, sustain family togetherness, and become active citizens of their communities despite the challenges brought about by poverty.

These households have actively contributed to the development of their fellow beneficiaries and to their communities. Some of them have served as resource persons during conferences where they shared their experiences as program beneficiaries,  while others have led successful community projects.  

The model families

The Manarpaac family from the Ilocos Region, was the first grand winner of the National Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya. Winning the Search has made the Manarpaacs realize that families from poor households can also become role models in their communities through their own little ways.

In 2013, the Mabantas from Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, won the Search. At present, the couple is busy managing their food stall and is proud that their two children have already obtained their college degrees.

The story of the Tanutan Family of Lemery, Iloilo, who was named Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya in 2014, has taught many beneficiaries about unity and cooperation despite being headed by a solo parent.

The Achuela family, also from the Ilocos region, was adjudged as the winner in the 2014 Search. The father, Conrado, who is a solo parent, is highly admired by the community for single-handedly raising his four daughters.

The Garay family from Jagna, Bohol, won in 2016.  The Garay couple is pleased that they now have two degree holders who are also gainfully employed.

Meanwhile, the Cabualan family from Iloilo was the 2017 winner. They have proven that positive changes are possible for poor families like them, who have bravely defied stereotypes and prejudices about them being rebel returnees. Instead of focusing on their past, people now put more value on the family’s contribution to the community and on their accomplishments such as having college graduates, holding important positions in their barangay, and building a small concrete house.

Coming from the Kabihug Tribe, the Dionisions are the first member of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) to join the roster of model families by winning the Search in 2018. The couple has three children who all have big dreams for themselves, their family, and their tribesmen, thus, they promise their parents to do their best in school.

DSWD continues this tradition of giving tribute to 4Ps model families which has become a motivation for the rest of the program-beneficiaries to make a difference in their own lives and in their communities. -30-