The Victoria Family of Barangay San Francisco Buhi, Camarines Sur won as the First Runner Up in this year’s National Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya besting other entries from various Regions in the Philippines.

Louie and Marina Victoria together with their five siblings were awarded during the Pantawid Pamilya National Family Day and Convergence Caravan with the theme “Pamilyang Pilipino Para sa Pagbabago: Tumawid sa Kaunlaran” which was held in Philippine Sports Arena Ultra in Quezon City last September 28, 2014.

The family received a cash prize worth P20,000.00, a plaque and certificate of recognition handed by Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman.

The Panatwid Pamilya Family Day was simultaneously held in various regions nationwide participated by 10,000 pantawid pamilya beneficiaries and other partner agencies.

According to Marina, their family is very blessed and thankful for the assistance provided to them by the Program. She said the program greatly helps their family to improve their living especially in sustaining the needs of her children in school.

“Para ibalik ang grasyang naipagkaloob sa amin, naisip naming tulungan at turuan ang ibang mga pamilya sa organic farming. Kaya halos 8 barangays na pati mga kapit bahay namin ay nag—oorganic farming na rin, na nakakatulong pandagdag sa kanilang kinikita, [As a way of giving back the blessings, we taught of helping and teaching other families of the knowledge we acquired through organic farming. With this, almost 8 barangays and our neighbors are now practicing organic farming that adds to the income of families in our barangay],” Marina added.

The National Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya started last 2012 in order to recognize beneficiary families who demonstrate Filipino values, and have a positive impact in the community where they reside. The search is being held every year.

According to Regional Director Arnel Garcia, he encourages that pantawid pamilya beneficiaries should follow the footsteps of Victoria Family who was able to help others and was able to improve their living condition amidst difficult situation. He added that despite, the challenges that poverty causes they still value and maintain strong ties and harmonious relationship and uphold Filipino values. ***G.A.N.L, Info. Officer