A solo parent and an active community volunteer placed 1st Runner Up in the recently concluded National Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya 2017 held at Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Muntinlupa City.

With the theme, Pamilyang Pilipino: Handang Tumawid sa Pag-unlad, the event was attended by the 18 regional winners of the search representing the 18 regions of the country.

The Grand Prize was awarded to Cabualan Family of Iloilo City; 2nd Runner-up goes to Betua Family of Sto.Tomas, Davao del Norte; 3rd Runner-up went to Mahayag Family of San Francisco, Quezon and 4th Runner-up is the Catubig Family of Brgy. Bogo, Maria, Siquijor.

A widow for more than 12 years, Evangeline N. Nalam, 59 years old and a native of Brgy. Cawitan, Sta.Catalina, Negros Oriental raised her four children by instilling to them the values that would deeply influence her children’s behaviors and attitudes and upholding these values herself while taking on her responsibilities as parent.

She has been a grantee of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program since 2009. Aside from being an active parent leader, she is also an active community volunteer of several local activities namely, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS), Kababayin-an Buhata Federation (KABUH), Kahugpungan sa Tribung Bukidnon (KATRIBU), Cawitan Fisherfolks Farmers Association (CASFFA), Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), San Pedro Panlisu-an Calanan Fatima Farmers Asoociation (SPPCFFA).

An advocate of human rights, Nalam voluntarily assists victims of violence against women and children (VAWC). She also joined as a community-based tie-up volunteer of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on gender sensitivity.

To date, about 20 reported abuse cases in the barangay were already referred by Nalam to the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) and PNP.

The Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya is an annual event of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which recognizes the exemplary family beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

The search showcases the stories of families who, despite the challenges brought about by poverty, are able to maintain strong family ties, demonstrate positive Filipino values and create a positive impact in their respective communities. ###

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