Baguio family wins regional Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino, is national finalist
As part of the celebration for the 30th National Filipino Family Week, awards for the regional Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino (NPP) were given out at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) training center last Thursday, Sept. 22.
The Adjaro family from Sto. Tomas barangay copped the regional Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino award 2022, with the dela Cruz (Irisan, Baguio) and Juan (Tuba, Benguet) families as finalists. All received plaques of recognition and cash awards.
Retired secondary school teacher Johnny Sr. and wife Martina led their six children Mary Ann, Janette, Sr. Aileen, Jenny, Johnny and Janzen through the rigors of the interviews and validation process with the DSWD, as coordinated by the City Social and Welfare and Development (CSWD) district officers. Beforehand, the Adjaro family brainstormed and collectively decided to go through with the application and all processes, in a way, testing the strength of family bonds through pressure and tensions.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Johnny, Sr. recalled being a worker since elementary and high school days. He hurdled college as a working student, and later with wife Martina; grew crops, tended livestock and had a fish pond, to augment his income as a teacher. With guidance and example, their children also worked their way through school. Johnny Sr, said “Being industrious has rewards, usually long-lasting.”
He passed on that excellent trait to his children, with the Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino award as affirmation.
All of the Adjaro children are gainfully employed after completing college education, with Sr. Aileen choosing a religious life in Manila. Currently on vacation, she joined the awarding ceremonies.
Before receiving the regional award, the Adjaro family underwent an online interview as one of the five national family finalists.
In her message, DSWD OIC-Operations, ARD Amelyn Cabrera noted that exemplary families are the result of parents’ and elders’ good parenting and sacrifices. “We do what is good, preserve good deeds, and press on, teaching our children along,” she said.
The NPP is initiated by the National Committee on the Filipino Family in coordination with other agencies and offices to honor exceptional families, with the theme this year as “Urbanisasyon at Pamilyang Pilipino: Magkaagapay sa Pagpapatibay at Pagpapaunlad ng Bansa.”
The program also conforms to National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Ambisyon Natin 2040 which represents collective long-term vision and aspirations for the country in the next 25 years with the banner for “Matatag, Maginhawa at Pantay na Buhay.” – JGF
