Pama and Fiang were named Model Families of the Year
A family from Barangay Zone III and another from Barangay Saravia were named Model Families of the Year 2022 in separate categories.
The government held the awarding ceremony for the Search for the Model Family 2022 in the City Hall Lobby on August 31, 2022, to inspire and empower the pillar of responsible parenthood.
Mr. Edilberto, Jr. and Mrs. Sonia Pama of Barangay Zone III were named the Model Family, while Mr. Bernie and Mrs. Gracelia Fiang of the “Indigenous People” category each received a ₱30,000 peso cash prize.
“From among the many families of this city, they have set the example that is worth emulating. Ang aton tumong diri sa ciudad nga padamuon ta pa gid sila para malab-ot naton ang aton handum to have resilient , empowered and values – driven people kag tanan nga ini nga naga-umpisa gid sa pamilya”, City Population Officer Janet Demonteverde said in her message.
During an interview, the group of evaluators heard the Pama family’s inspiring story about how they overcame so many obstacles while raising their children on a low income. During an interview, the group of evaluators heard the family’s inspiring story about how they overcame so many obstacles while raising their child on a low income. Mrs. Pama explained how their family is struggling financially because his husband’s salary as a rank-and-file government employee is insufficient to cover their children’s education. She even told a story about how the children would read and study while their hands were busy making longganisa. They have even borrowed money to pay for their children’s education. Their entire existence was centered on “utang-bayad.”
The Pama siblings completed their college education after many years of sacrifice, allowing them to pursue higher education. The eldest and youngest children aspired to be lawyers, while the middle child aspired to be a doctor, and they all achieved their goals. Two are now married and successful in their chosen fields. While the youngest, who just passed the Bar Examination, is now assisting his brother in his law firm and establishing her own name. Their unwavering determination to live the life they desired earned them the title of model family. Aside from their community involvement, one of the foundations was their good family relationship and faith in God.
The Indigenous People community, on the other hand, has only endorsed one nominee for 2022, the Fiang Family of Sitio Dungan Lahek, Barangay Saravia. Bernie, the father, was a rank-and-file government employee, and Gracelia was a housewife. With their meager income, they were able to educate their three children, the eldest of whom is now a public school teacher and the other two siblings are still in school. Bernie tells the story of how they started out as a married couple with nothing. They began by borrowing a small amount of money to sell bananas in the market. Bernie is assisting in the sale of bananas and attending classes at night in order to complete his college education. Their children tell stories about how strict the couple is in imposing discipline, especially when they make mistakes.
Mr. and Mrs. Remy Tamdang of Barangay Magsaysay finished second and received ₱20,000, while the Baldelovar family of Barangay Sta. Cruz finished third this year, earning a ₱10,000 cash prize. Meanwhile, Eduardo and Heidi Wong’s families from Barangay Mambucal, as well as Mr. Roberton and Mrs. Natividad Babila’s families from Barangay Caloocan, each receive a consolation prize.
City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena, on the other hand, extended warm greetings to all participating families. According to the mayor, being a model family is difficult because they must demonstrate positive characteristics in order to be designated as a role model. “The larger the family, the more difficult it is to govern,” declared the mayor. The mayor went on to say that if the family is strong, the country will be as well.
Some of the evaluation criteria are the quality of family relationships, quality of person, ability to manage resources, community involvement and home quality.
According to City Population Officer Demonteverde, the Philippine constitution requires the Local Government Unit to promote responsible parenting and family well-being at the family level through the Population Management Program. Demonteverde hopes that the Search will be a powerful advocate for each barangay. Each barangay council is encouraged to seek out a model family in their own neighborhood who can serve as a role model for responsible parenting.
The search for model families with exemplary achievement and effective family management began in 1994. Its mission is to encourage and inspire families by enhancing their capabilities so that they can provide a better future for their members and serve as role models in their respective communities.