In its second edition of the Search for 4Ps ReyNanay, a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) partner-beneficiary from Asturias, Cebu was crowned as the 2023 4Ps ReyNanay, held on June 15, 2023, at the Golden Prince Hotel, Cebu City.

Mary Jean Ople, a solo parent, bested the other seven (7) 4Ps ReyNanays from different cities and towns in the Central Visayas region. She was also adjudged the Best in Introduction Video, Best in Daily Work Wear, and First Place in the Best in Advocacy Video.

Her runners-up are Anna Marie Loberanes from the City of Naga, Cebu; the first runner-up and the ambassador for education; and Audrey Secuya from Medellin, Cebu; the second runner-up and the ambassador for health.

The other regional finalists are Evelyn Tapia (Buenavista, Bohol), Leonora Doblas (Batuan, Bohol), Bibiana Cadalin (Manjuyod, Negros Oriental), Elena Lañojan (Canlaon City, Negros Oriental), and Margie Caliso (Lazi, Siquijor).

Anna Marie clinched the Best in Modern Filipiniana Terno and second place in the Best in Advocacy Video, while Evelyn bagged the Best in Festival Attire and third place in the Best in Advocacy Video.

The eight 4Ps ReyNanays sashayed on stage in different segments, like the daily work wear, which showcased their profession and their community involvement, emphasizing the power of a modern Pinay mother; the colorful festival attire that represents their local culture and heritage using recyclable materials; and the modern Filipiniana terno, which showed a creative interpretation of the national attire with a modern twist.

They also presented their stories during the Testimony of Change, in which they shared their life journey and how their family’s life was improved through the interventions of the 4Ps.

“Tungod sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program nahimo akong responsable nga ginikanan sa akong mga anak. Sa akong pagka solo parent aduna koy mga panahon nga dili nako mahatag ang ilang mga panginahanglanon tungod sa kagamay sa akong income. Apan tungod sa programa natubag ang ilang mga panginahanglan labi na sa edukasyon ug panglawas (Through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, I became a responsible parent to my children. As a solo parent, there are times that I cannot provide all their needs because of my meager income. However, the program was able to address their needs, especially in education and health),” said Mary Jean during the Testimony of Change.

She added that the program also helped them acquire knowledge through the monthly Family Development Session (FDS).

“Ang pagkugi ug pag-antos maoy puhunan sa kalampusan. 4Ps atong suportahan (Hardwork and sacrifice are investments in progress. We should support 4Ps),” she ended in her speech.

Mary Jean works as a farmer and is a solo parent with eight children. She seeks ways to fulfill her role as a father and mother to her children.

She is also active in their community and participated in the KALAHI-CIDSS program, which funded road concreting in their barangay. She also serves as a 4Ps parent leader and as an active secretary in their chapel.

She managed the trials gracefully and endured them because she believes that behind suffering is a hidden victory.

In the final question and answer round, Mary Jean was asked, “If given the chance to become 4Ps ReyNanay, what will she do to become a good role model to other mothers?”

“Isip usa ka solo parent, ipakita nako nga molaban ra gyud ta kay dili tanang panahon puro kalisdanan atong mahiaguman. Maninguha ta nga mangambisyon alang sa kaugmaon sa atong mga anak (As a solo parent, I will show them that we should stand up for our family because not all times are suffering. We should persevere and continue dreaming for our children’s future),” Mary Jean underscored.

The 2023 4Ps ReyNanay selection committee is composed of five equally empowered and accomplished women, namely DSWD-7 Regional Information Officer Ms. Leah Quintana, Personal Collection Manager Ms. Vanessa Nuesca-Cunanan, Independent Pageant Q and A Coach Ms. Michelle Joy Padayhag, reigning Mrs. International Philippines Ms. Irma Payod-Bitzer, and the 4Ps Project Development Officer III and the MCCT Focal Person in the Central Visayas Region, Ms. Raquel Daria.

The first 4Ps ReyNanay, Justina Villego, from Basay, Negros Oriental, attended to pass the crown to the new queen.

Before the coronation night, the ReyNanays attended empowerment-related training that equipped them to be more responsive in their community work and, in return, share their learnings with other 4Ps co-beneficiaries. They underwent sessions on gender-sensitive training (GST), ReyNanay as a partner in attaining 4Ps sustainability, and effective communication for empowered women.

The 4Ps ReyNanays will serve as the local program ambassadors, especially in fulfilling the education, health, and nutrition outcomes of the 4Ps. They will deliver testimonies in the different community activities like the Family Development Session (FDS) and other public gatherings as they share their stories of change with other 4Ps partner-beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.

The 4Ps ReyNanay is a combination of two words, which are Reyna, or Queen, and Nanay, or Mother; the search paid tribute to empowered 4Ps mothers who made a significant impact and contribution to their community.

The pageant revolved around the theme “Inspiration and Aspiration,” which tackled each candidate’s inspirational stories and their aspiration to further uplift their family’s level of well-being with the help of the program. ###

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