In photo: Carey Joy Uy, in white sweater, was the Regional Representative for the National Children’s Congress last year with the other exemplary Pantawid children from other regions. Photo by Maricel B. Asejo, Pantawid IO

STA. MARIA, Isabela– Four children beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in this municipality topped their class for SY 2012-2013 and graduated as Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively.

Clarissa Mae Rodriguez and Carey Joy Uy of San Isidro Elementary School graduated as Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Other honor graduates are Liezel Romero, Valedictorian of Calamagui Elementary School; and Ariza Alingod, Salutatorian of Lingaling Elementary School.

According to their Municipal Link, Ms. Jackie Lou Garcia, the four children are very happy for finishing at the top of their class. “Masayang-masaya ang mga bata, lalo na sa kabila ng kahirapan ay napagbubuti nila ang pag-aaral nila. Graduating as a honor student motivate them to do better in high school. They know that education is the way for them to rise from poverty,” Garcia said.

Ms. Garcia also added that the four children are very thankful for the Pantawid Pamilya because the program helped a lot especially in their needs in school. Aside from the augmentation for their education requirements, the program also helped them have a healthy body because of the regular visits to health centers.

Aside from the Academic Awards, Clarissa Mae also received the Journalist of the Year and Athlete of the Year; while Carey Joy got the Girl Scout of the Year and the Leadership Award. Liezel and Ariza were also awarded other special citations and recognitions.

Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Child

Carey Joy Uy, who graduated as Salutatorian, was also hailed as the Provincial Representative of Isabela for the Search for Regional Exemplary Pantawid Children.

Carey Joy together with the other exemplary Pantawid children from the Cagayan, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya joined in the National Children’s Congress at Bayview Park Hotel, Manila on October 28- 31, 2012.

Aside from having grades of flying colors, Carey was also a student writer and the President of the Student Council. She is also active on extra-curricular activities and was a regular delegate of her school to quiz bees and academic competitions.

Poverty is Never a Hindrance

Despite some financial constraints, the four honor graduates are determined to finish their studies. They believe that poverty will not hinder them to attain their aspirations. With hardwork, dedication, support from families and faith in the Divine Creator, these smart children are on their way to a better life.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a human development program implemented by the DSWD that invests in the health and education of poor children age 0-14 years old. ### By MARICEL B. ASEJO/ Pantawid Information Officer II