Davao City (DSWD XI) -The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expects over 500 beneficiaries under Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program on Friday at its regional office grounds for the celebration of the National Family Day.

The event, dubbed as “Pamilyang Pilipino: Handang Tumawid sa Pag unlad” will be a venue for Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Davao Region to celebrate family togetherness and solidarity, and inspire other families through the positive transformation in their lives.

The theme communicates the family-beneficiaries’ ability and confidence to cross the poverty line which was made possible by their own perseverance and the convergence of the different programs and services of DSWD and its partner agencies.

Starting off at 8:00 a.m., the family day opens with a motorcade from Magsaysay Park traversing through Cabaguio, J.P. Laurel Ave., and ends at DSWD Regional Office where the families will converge.

The celebration will feature various talents from partner beneficiaries and DSWD personnel; free wellness activities like massage, pedicure and manicure and facial sessions; storytelling for children; face painting; and parlor games.

Meanwhile, the DSWD Sports Festival will also kick off in the afternoon as one of the Department’s wellness-for-life activities.

Regional and provincial winners of the Search for Huwarang Pamilyang Pilipino and Pantawid Exemplary Child will be awarded with plaque and cash.

The family of Ian and Alma Grace Betua of Brgy. Balagaunan, Sto. Tomas town, Davao Del Norte, regional winner and finalist of the Search for Huwarang Pamilyang Pilipino will participate in the national awarding ceremonies in Manila on October 1.

While Kenneth A. Bardinas of B. E. Dujali, Davao Del Norte, regional winner of the Search for Pantawid Exemplary Child will compete at the national level in November during the national celebration of Children’s Month.

Model Pantawid families and children are proof that anyone can have a better chance at fighting the effects of poverty if he or she is accessed to opportunities and tools for human development.

To date, the government continues to provide better opportunities to 260,946 families in the entire Davao Region through Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. (DSWD)