Baguio City – Model school children from the poorest communities in the Cordillera Administrative Region were recognized during the Pantawid Pamilya Regional Search for Exemplary Children in the city this week.
Six finalists coming from the different provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region joined the competition. The search showcased the talents and skills of the children through a question and answer portion and talent presentation. They were chosen after careful selection process in their respective provinces.
The Grade V pupil from Tayum, Abra was adjudged as the Grand Winner of the Search. A consistent honor student, Jairus Mae Djemetzchel Castillo, who is currently studying in Don Marcos Rosales Elementay School in Abra, beat other contestants for her witty answers during the Panel Interview.
In the Talent Presentation portion, she surprised the audience by showcasing her skills in delivering a news report. She was even dubbed as the little “Korina Sanchez” after showing her talent.
Jairus Mae is the eldest child among three siblings whose father works as a farmer and her mother is a plain housewife. During the panel interview, she shared her dream of becoming an educator in the future.
“I dream to become a teacher because I want to share my knowledge to the children so that they will grow up successfully and they will be able to attain their dreams like me”, she said.
Jones Liwan, also a consistent honor student from Asipulo National High School in Ifugao, was awarded as First Runner Up during the competition.
The Grand Winner received P 10,000 pesos with a plaque and certificate while the First Runner Up received P 7,000 pesos, a plaque and certificate. The Grand Winner will also compete for the National Search that will be held in Metro Manila this coming October.
Other finalists are Roderick Awas of Kalinga, Karlyn Edeza of Mt. Province, Jomar Littawa of Apayao, and Jimrey Ramos of Benguet.
The Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children is an annual event organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. The search recognizes 10-14 year- old Program beneficiaries who have set excellent examples at home, in school, and in the community. # DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Jomel Anthony V. Gutierrez
