Justin Dale O. Dela Cruz from the National Capital Region bagged the 3rd runner-up award in the Pantawid Pamilya  National Search for Exemplary Children on December 1, 2018 during the celebration of the “Araw ng Kabataan” held at SM North Skydome.

At a young age, Justin, a 4Ps child beneficiary from Malabon City, has experienced several hardships in life. Despite his mother’s passing in 2014 due to rheumatic heart disease, he continues to maintains his positive outlook in life. Justin is passionate about helping his community and wants to become a policeman or fireman.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa DSWD dahil sa paglulunsad ng iba’t-ibang programa para sa aming mga kabataan at  sa Diyos dahil sa  pagkakaroon po ng ganitong karangalan. Gusto ko po sabihin sa kapwa ko kabataan na kahit bata tayo, tayo ay may magagawa at balang araw tayo rin ang magtutulong-tulong para umunlad ang ating bayan,”Justin said after receiving his award.

The title of Pantawid Pamilya National Exemplary Child 2018 was awarded to  Jay Mark C. Gac-ang, who represented Region X. Meanwhile, Ma. Kaitlinn Cayne S. Lubrico from Region 6 was declared as the first runner-up. Kristine Nicole S. Bumadilla from Region 1  placed second runner-up in the competition while Adeli D. Tan of MIMAROPA  won 4th runner-up. The finalists, who bested 12 other candidates from different parts of the Philippines, received respective cash prizes and plaques.

Since 2012, the Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children recognizes children beneficiaries of the program who set excellent examples at home, in school, and in the community where they belong.

DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista congratulated all the exemplary children from the different regions during the awarding ceremony. He underlined the important role of children in the society. “Sa lahat ng mga batang nandito ngayon, sa mga batang punong-puno ng pangarap,  sa mga batang hindi sumusuko  at patuloy na lumalaban upang mabuhay, sa mga batang may pagpapahalaga sa kanilang pamilya, bayan at komunidad: kayo ang natatanging yaman ng ating bayan. “

He also emphasized the positive impact of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.  “By empowering children and their families through 4Ps, these children are able to realize their potential, develop self esteem, value themselves, become capable, wholesome, productive, respectful, loving, resilient, confident and well-adjusted human beings.”###

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