CARMEN, Bohol – “We may not have so much in wealth but our children and their achievements have been our priceless possessions,” shared Genaro and Norma Ewican, the winning family of the 2014 Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya Central Visayas.
The Ewican family from barangay Alegria, Carmen, Bohol headed by the couple Norma and Genaro together with their six children vested over 40 entries in the Central Visayas region-wide selection that seeks to recognize family beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program who maintain strong family ties, demonstrate positive Filipino values, and inculcate positive impact in the community where they reside.
Norma, 44, narrates that amidst many life challenges her family managed to survive citing that the cash aid provided by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has greatly helped the family in regularly buying their basic needs including new school uniforms.
“Before my children only wears used uniforms given by family friends now I can buy them new ones including other school requirements,” Norma said.
She added that her children who are all achievers are now more inspired to go to school wearing new set of uniforms, shoes and bags.
Last November 2013, Norma ran as first time barangay councilor and because of her active involvements in school and community activities she easily landed the second highest vote and is currently the chair of the health and sanitation committee.
However, despite being elected as barangay official with P3,000 monthly honorarium Norma disclosed that life is still not easy for them because her husband’s farming income is seasonal while the needs of their growing children is constantly increasing.
Four of the couple’s children are currently enrolled in college and high school while the other two who are high school graduates are trying to help the family earn additional income.
When asked what the family will do if they graduate from Pantawid, both Norma and Genaro answered by saying “Kayahan namo ipadayon ilang pag-eskuwela para sa ilang maayong kaaugmaon.”
The family became a beneficiary of the program in 2011. As the regional winner, Ewican family will automatically represent DSWD Field Office VII for the National Search where the grand winner shall receive P30,000 cash and plaque.
Other families who made it to the Regional Search include Albasin Family of Dumanjug,Cebu (first runner-up), Ates Family of Maria, Siquijor (second runner-up), and Alaban Family of Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental (third runner-up).
Each family shall also receive plaques and cash prizes.
Judges of the Regional Search include Dr. Noel Elle of Department of Health-7, Dr Eduardo Bacaltos of Department of Education-7, DSWD-7 consultant for family welfare Benjamin Baruc and Grace Yana technical person for children sector.
Last year, Hermocilla family of Sagbayan, Bohol topped the Regional Search.
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program was implemented in Bohol Province since 2010 with more than 50,000 active beneficiaries as of July this year.
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