The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VII (DSWD-7) has once again highlighted the inspiring stories of resilience and determination among beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) with the announcement of the winners of the 2025 Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya.

This year, the family of Ruben Sr. and Teodora Helen Baterna from Barangay Tal-ot, Barili, Cebu, emerged as the regional champion, standing out among contenders from Bohol and Cebu provinces. The Baterna family’s strong commitment to nurturing their children, serving their community, and living out positive Filipino values earned them the top recognition in the region.

Prior to the regional competition, a province-wide search was conducted to identify exemplary 4Ps families in Bohol and Cebu. In Bohol, the winners were the Obcial family of Mabini (1st place), the Sentorias family of Sikatuna (2nd place), and the Bensi family of Clarin (3rd place). Meanwhile, in Cebu, the Baterna family of Barili secured 1st place, followed by the Apawan family of Bantayan in 2nd place and the Bajao family of Talisay City in 3rd place.

From the pool of provincial champions, the Baterna family of Cebu and the Obcial family of Bohol advanced to the regional validation process.

Before the final desk validation, DSWD-7 conducted an on-site validation to assess the actual living conditions of the provincial winners and verify the details submitted in their documentation before the final desk validation. This process confirms that the families are living the values and the achievements presented on paper.

Representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the World Vision Development Foundation, Inc., together with selected DSWD-7 officials, served as a panel of judges.

After a thorough review of the written and video documentation, the Baterna family was chosen as the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya 2025 Regional Winner in Central Visayas, while the family of Ernesto and Annabel Obcial of Barangay Tangkigan, Mabini, Bohol, placed second.

As the regional champion, the Baterna family will represent Central Visayas at the 4Ps National Family Congress in Metro Manila, where they will join other outstanding families from across the country. The gathering will showcase their inspiring stories of perseverance and service, further motivating fellow 4Ps beneficiaries nationwide.

The Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya is an annual search that recognizes family beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program who maintain strong family ties, demonstrate positive Filipino values, and create a positive impact in their communities.

Through this recognition, DSWD underscores that the 4Ps is not only about financial assistance but also about empowering families to rise above poverty, become active citizens, and inspire others. ###