Three of the Region’s Pantawid Pamilya exemplary children representatives gained unforgettable experiences in the recently concluded National Children’s Congress 2014.

The NCC in partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) was a venue to promote children’s rights and making their voices heard on program issues affecting them.

Fifty two Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children provincial and regional winners participated in the said event. These included Region 1 winner Cindy Ballesteros from Ilocos Sur and runners-up Jasmine Ollero from La Union and Angel May David from Pangasinan. Besides a tour at the Mind Museum, workshops, lectures, and games focusing on children’s rights and roles in their family, community and their stories of change as program beneficiaries were also conducted.

According to Jasmine, the event was an opportunity to learn, gain knowledge, and gain new friends. Jasmine said, “Masaya akong nakasama dahil mas nagkaroon ako ng tiwala sa sarili at nagkaroon ng maraming kaibigan (I am happy to have joined since I gained more confidence and friends).”

Highlight of the event was the awarding of winners in the National Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children 2014. Finalists showcased their talent, wit, and confidence as witnessed by guests such as DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, National Youth Commissioner Dingdong Dantes, and other TV personalities. The top award was bagged by the representative of Region IV-B for the third year. Runners-up were representatives from Regions 12, IV-A, 8, and 7.

The national search recognized exemplary Pantawid Pamilya children ages 10 -14 who serve as excellent examples in school, home, and community. The National Children’s Congress (NCC) is held annually.
(by: ALLAN O. LULU, Information Officer II/ Pantawid Pamilya)