Jake Lere Boyles, from Brgy. Tigdaranao, Tarangnan, Samar, won this year’s recent Regional Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children at Milka Hotel, Tacloban City, Leyte.

The said activity which is conducted annually through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) aims to recognize exemplary program beneficiaries who are 10-14 years old and who serve as excellent examples in their households, schools, and communities.

The search also aims to encourage children to be active citizens, primarily by complying with the conditions of the program.

Criteria for judging included 20% Kilos at Ugali (Behaviour and Practice), 20% Talento (Talent), 20% Talino at Talas ng Isip (Intelligence and Wit), 20% Pakikilahok sa Komunidad at Eskwela (Community and School Participation), 20% Tindig at Pormang Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago (Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago Presence and Appearance).

Jake Lere was followed by 2nd Place Diana Marie Vetonio (from Allen, Northern Samar), 3rd Place Noel Justine P. Lapada (Borongan, Eastern Samar), and Mary Angel Palma (Kawayan, Biliran), Michael Eclipse (Tacloban City), and Claire Ann Bosque (Sogod, Southern Leyte).

The Selection Committee of the regional search was composed of University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College Professor Zenia Dulce Mariveles, Eastern Visayas State University Professor Faustito Aure, Department of Education representative Rhodora Sison, DSWD Field Office VIII Assistant Regional Director for Operations Restituto Macuto, and DSWD Social Marketing Services Director Joel Espejo.

“Habang naririto ang programang sumusuporta sa aking pag-aaral, sinisigurado ko pong maganda ang aking kinabukasan. Magtulungan tayo. Kaya ko, kaya mo, kaya natin ang pagbabago! (While the program which supports my education is here, my future is brilliant.)” says Jake Lere, 13, who will vie for the National Search on November 16, 2015.###