“Ang isang natatanging Parent Leader hindi lang sarili ang iniisip kundi kung paano niya tutulungan nang mas malalim pa ang kanyang mga miyembro at magabayan sila sa pagpapaunlad sa kanilang mga sarili. Kahit magtatapos na ang aking pagiging Parent Leader, masaya ako na nakikita ko sinasabuhay pa rin nila ang aking mga naibahagi sa kanila (An exemplary Parent Leader is selfless and thinks how to help more his/her members and guide them to improve themselves. Though my term as a Parent Leader will end, I would be happy to see that my members still live by everything I shared to them),” said Melani Sibayan of Brgy. Mauban, Balungao, Pangasinan.

She was declared as the Regional Winner to the Search for Natatanging (Exemplary) Parent Leader 2019. She topped the other contenders from other provinces in the region: Emelita Razalan of Brgy. Aguitap, Solsona, Ilocos Norte; Jacqueline Bacasion of Brgy. Siboan-Otong, City of San Fernando, La Union; and May Rapanut of Brgy. Maynganay, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur.

Meanwhile, Aggasi Pantawid Pamilya Parent Group of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte top notched the Search for Natatanging Pantawid Pamilya Parent Group 2019 over Group 2 Parasapas Parent Group in Rosario, La Union; San Leon Parent Group in Balungao, Pangasinan; and Suksukit-Nanerman Parent Group in Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur.

According to Benifreda Rangcapan of Aggasi Parent Group, “Pinatatag ng Family Development Session ang aming samahan. Lahat ng aming natutunan dito ay aming pinapasa sa aming mga anak para ipamuhay din nila. Marami ang aming nariring na hindi pabor sa programa pero ang mahalaga ipinapakita namin na ginagawa namin ang nararapat (Family Development Session strengthened our bond. We also pass on to our children the learnings we gained from it. There are many hearsays that are against the program but what is important is that we are showing that we are doing what is right).”

This quest for exemplary Parent Leaders and Parent Groups is the first ever nationwide. It was initiated by the Regional Program Management Office to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Parent Leaders in the overall success of Pantawid Pamilya in Region 1 and showcase extraordinary practices of Parent Groups that aid in the holistic uplifting of well-being of its members.

All the contenders were awarded during the Partnership Summit 2019 in Dagupan City as part of the 10-year successful implementation of Pantawid Pamilya. (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Information Officer II/Pantawid Pamilya)