“Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng ating bayan…” or the youth is the hope of our nation… Like Dr. Jose Rizal- our National Hero, the Filipino children of today believes that the future of our nation lies in the hands of the youth.

Young at heart grantees of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shared their thoughts and experiences on Pantawid Pamilya during the Children’s Forum held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the University of the Philippines last October 21, 2011.

It was the first time that these Pantawid Pamilya children grantees were heard and organized. They are the selected grantees from Mayorga, Sta. Fe and Tacloban City. During the forum, most of them shared common views on the gains and impact of Pantawid Pamilya in their lives, particularly the education aspect. Most of the participants were selected, based on their performance in school- how active and enthusiastic they are both in the academe and extra curricular activities. That is why most of them expressed gratitude that they became a part of Pantawid Pamilya.

Eiver Ky Villegas, 11, of Mayorga, Leyte stated that he is thankful that the government has thought of extending support to the needs of the children, especially in education. Eiver believes that education is important to battle for a brighter future. Because he believes that if he finishes studies, he would be certain at finding a good job in the future. Alona Rose Aguirre, 12, of Tacloban City also said that she used to wear a plastic bag to cover her head during rainy days, but now with Pantawid Pamilya she experienced using an umbrella to protect her from the rain. On the other hand, Ma. Locel Catapal, 11, of Sta. Fe Leyte shared that her parents used to worry for her school fees and their meals for every day, but with Pantawid Pamilya her parents found a partner to help ease their worries.

DSWD Regional Director Leticia Diokno and Pantawid Pamilya Deputy Program Manager (DPM) Virginia Idano both graced and witnessed how the kids expressed their appreciation on Pantawid Pamilya. Diokno reiterated how Pantawid Pamilya recognizes the Child’s Rights, and how it should be given importance by these kids as well as their parents. Diokno also gave her motherly advices to the youngsters to take the opportunities being extended by the government. Idano spend the rest of the afternoon observing the empowered grantees who actively participated to the different tasks given by the facilitators.

It was a fun-filled three-hour activity which captivated the youngsters’ interest in meeting new friends from other municipalities through groupings and fun games, showing-off of talents and expressing their knowledge on Pantawid Pamilya through poster making.

The said activity was conceptualized in support to the children’s month celebration themed as Local Council for the Protection of Children: “Para Sa Bright Child, Pakilusin, Palakasin, Pagtulungan Natin.”