Davao City –The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will conduct a Regional Children’s Congress and Awarding of Winners for the Search for Exemplary Children of Pantawid Pamilya on November 9-10  at the Grand Menseng Hotel.

The Regional Children’s Congress will gather 10-14 year-old children from all cities and municipalities in Region XI. Up for discussion in  the congress are pressing issues/concerns that directly affect children beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya through fun learning workshops.

The three-day activity hopes to emphasize to children-participants the importance of letting their voices be heard on issues affecting them.

Moreover, the Exemplary Children of Pantawid Pamilya will be recognized during the event.

The annual search that started in 2012 is a competition open to Pantawid Pamilya children beneficiaries from 10 to 14 years old. Children must be enrolled in school, compliant to the school attendance requirement of the program, with good scholastic standing, fully-immunized and dewormed twice in 2013 (for children 6-14 years old).

Children-nominees must also possess the following qualities/characteristics: (1) active in extra-curricular activities; (2) active in community activities; (3) talented; (4) with good moral character; (5) have no indicator of behavior problems; (6) aware of good nutrition and eats nutritious food; and (7) conversant on the conditionalities of the program.

The regional winner will receive Php 20,000 in cash, while the provincial winners will receive Php 10,000 each.

Provincial entries for this year’s search are: Clarence Penaso from New Corella, Davao del Norte; Jaybee Padasay from Matanao, Davao del Sur; John Christian Victoriano from San Isidro, Davao Oriental; Elisha Yehsa Marquizo from New Bataan, Compostela Valley; and Chlarince Lamila from Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental.

Pantawid Pamilya has been keeping children in school and families healthy since its onset in 2008. At present, Davao Region has 233,864 household beneficiaries in all 5 provinces, 6 cities and 43 municipalities. (DSWD)