Braulio E. Dujali, Davao Del Norte (DSWD XI) – “Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.” 2017 Pantaiwd Pamilya Exemplary Child of Region XI Kenneth A. Bardinas lives by this maxim.

Kenneth, 13, youngest of two is best described by his parents Elmer and Marilou as kind and responsible son. He is currently a Grade 8 pupil at Tagum City National High School in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte. Kenneth is a consistent honor student since Grade 1.  He excels in drawing, spelling, English and Science.

Aside from his school achievements, Kenneth is an active officer and member of various school and community organizations. As a socially-conscious multi-talented child, Kenneth is known in his community.

Blessings  

Kenneth became more popular when he qualified and competed in ABS-CBN’s The Voice Kids in 2016. Under the guidance of Coach Bamboo, Kenneth made it up to the Sing Offs Finals.

Elmer and Marilou have always supported their child amidst poverty. Marilou is a housewife while Elmer is a farmer but also delivers and sells bread in nearby villages using his habal-habal (motorcycle), to augment their daily needs.

“Naay mga panahon nga sunod-sunod ang mga problema sa pamilya labina sa pinansyal pero hinay-hinay nga nasayon tungod sa tabang sa Pantawid Pamilya (There were times when our problems piled up especially on finances but our burdens were lessened because of Pantawid Pamilya),” Marilou recalled.

“When Kenneth joined The Voice Kids, he became more popular. There were several invitations. Some of which were for-a-cause but Kenneth didn’t hesitate to oblige and offer his talent as long as it will not affect his studies. It is his way of paying forward and sharing what God has given him,” Marilou added.

Kenneth is also an active choir member in their church.

Despite his youth, Kenneth knows that education is the stepping stone towards fulfilling his dreams and aspirations, hence, he is steadfast in his resolve to finish his studies.

“Bisag sa kabata pa nako, kabalo nako sa tanan problema nga amoang naagi-an ug kanunay namo to nalampasan tungod sa tabang ug gugma namo sa pamilya. Mutabang ko sa akoang pamilya nga mag tarong sa akoang pag skwela ug gamiton sa maayo akoang talent aron mamahimo kong inspirasyon sad sa ubang kabataan (In my young age, I know all the problems we’ve been through. We have overcome all these through our cooperation and love within the family. I will help my family by doing good in my studies, and I will use my talent to be an inspiration too for other children),” Kenneth emphasized.

Kenneth wants to be a popular singer and a good teacher someday.

Pantawid Pamilya

Kenneth believes that Pantawid Pamilya is already achieving its goal of sending poor children to school.

“Dako ang pag bag-o sa kinabuhi nako sukad niabot ang Pantawid. Mas naa koy atensyon sa akoang pag-eskwela kay nakit-an nako akoang mga ginikanan wala namublema sa akoang pag eskwela labina naay bayrunon. Mas kumpyansa ko sa mga gusto nako makab-ot sa kinabuhi kay kabalo ko kulang ang kita sa akoang papa sa pag baligya og tinapay (My life improved a lot with the support of Pantawid. I am more focused in my schooling since I witnessed that my parents were not anymore bothered with school fees.  I am now more confident in my aspirations in life because I realized what my father earns from peddling bread is never enough).”

He also often participates in inter-school competitions, representing his school and even joining contests in other places. Every time he wins, he automatically gives his cash prize to his parents to help meet their daily needs.

Tungod sa tabang sa programa, mas pangandaman nakog tarong ang akoang mga pangandoy. Paningkamotan nako sa tabang sa akoang ginikanan ug sa abot kakayanan nga maabot ang tanan pangandoy sa kinabuhi para sa akoang pamilya ug komunidad. Gusto sad ko maging teacher aron mabahagi nako ang akoang mga karanasan sa kapobrehon nga dili balakid sa imong pag-lambo (The program pushed me to prepare well to reach my dreams. With the guidance of my parents plus my personal efforts, I will strive hard to reach all my life goals for the sake of my family and community.  I also want to be a teacher so I can share my experience of poverty which should never be a hindrance to improve one’s lot),” Kenneth said.

Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor families, primarily those with children aged 0-18. It provides monthly cash grants to beneficiaries who comply with the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers, and attending Family Development Sessions.

Kenneth’s family is one of the 260,939 families in Region XI benefiting from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a national flagship program led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (DSWD XI)