The Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children in Metro Manila awarded Angelo U. Caigas, 12 years old from Navotas City as NCR’s Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Child 2014, who simply expresses his opinions in life as a child through poetry.
Angelo with her mother Marites Caigas received his plaque of recognition and cash prize during the kick-off celebration for the National Children’s Month on October 4, 2014.
During the screening of nominees on September 12, 2014 at the Reception and Study Center for Children in Bago Bantay, Quezon City, Angelo – in his barong tagalog fascinated the judges with his declamation of “Kalikasan Saan Ka Patungo” by Avon Adarna which was followed by his on-the-spot-made poem during his interview, as follows:
“Kaming mga bata ang pag-asa ng bansa
Kaya ang pag protekta sa amin ay isang dakilang adhika
Kaming mga kabataan pag-asa ng bayan
Nasa aming kamay ang kinakamtan na kinabukasan
Kaya kami dapat ay protektahan at alagaan
Upang sa ganon ay makaligtas sa anumang kapahamakan.”
With teary eyes, Mrs. Caigas, a street food vendor, articulated that this victory of her child serves as another inspiration to her and her husband, Ernesto, a barangay tanod, to continue persevering more in life for their children.
Angelo is currently the President of the School Pupil Government (SPG) in Bangkulasi Elementary School where his potentials as a leader are being admired by many of his schoolmates. He is also a consistent honor student in their class.
Meanwhile, Evette Moira A. Mag-alasin, 14 years old form Mandaluyong City, was awarded as the first runner-up while Ericka C. dela Peña, 11 years old, from Las Piñas City and Dolly Anne C. Monsalud, 11, from Marikina City, were the 2nd and 3rd runner-ups, respectively.
This year’s regional Search judges were representatives from the DSWD – NCR, Philippine Information Agency – NCR, Council for the Welfare of Children, Metro Manila Development Authority, National Nutrition Council, Department of the Interior and Local Government – NCR, National Capital Region Police Office, Philippine Statistics Authority, Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, and Hope for the Youth Foundation. ### (DSWD FO-NCR, Social Marketing Office, October 8, 2014)