The Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) and the Regional Inter Agency Committee for the Filipino Family (RIACFF) conferred the family laborer from Pasig City as this year’s Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya.

Declared as winner was the Odiame Family from Manggahan, Pasig City. Jessie who works as a laborer and Elena as a rag sewer was blessed with four children, who despite poverty managed to provide for the education and health needs of their children.

The family was registered as beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in March 2009. Elena happily shared that the Pantawid Pamilya program is such a blessing to her family because since they received monthly cash grants, they were assured that the education and health of their children are provided. New opportunities were likewise opened to expand their source of living.

Before they became beneficiary of the program, the family derived their income from sewing a few pieces of rags sewn by Elena and sold by her husband on the streets.

The rag-making routine of the family turned into a small family business at home when Elena availed of P10,000 capital assistance in January 2011 through the DSWD’s Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program to expand their business.

After some months, they were able to improve their rag business through increased volume and improved its packaging. Likewise, they were able to pay the loan capital in just eight months.
Today, they employ some Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries if they get orders in bulk to meet the demands of the two manufacturing companies in Pasig City where they supply the rags. They feel blessed in giving opportunities to others to earn an income.

Mr. Odiame is also the president of the Villa Cruzes Neighborhood Association who initiated the move to locate the owner of the private lot where they have built their houses, together with other Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. Through his negotiation with the lot owner, they are now paying the rights of the lot and now become owner.

DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan said the family was conferred the title of Huwarang Pamilya among the 16 LGU nominees in Metro Manila because of their exemplary efforts in leading different community endeavors and for their perfect compliance with the conditionalities set under the program.

DSWD’s Poverty Reduction and Programs Bureau Director Honorita B. Bayudan, 2010 Miss Universe 4th Runner Up and Ambassadress of Children’s Rights and Welfare Ms. Maria Venus Raj and members of the RIAC-FF led the awarding ceremony.

The criteria for judging are: A family with 100% compliance in all conditionalities -25 points; a family that practices and promotes healthy living- 20 points; a family that is actively involved in community and environmental endeavors – 20 points; a family who demonstrates love and respect for the community including the environment – 20 points; and a family who manages and utilizes grants properly-15%.

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