MODEL FAMILY 2023 NOMINEES’ HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AND STORIES
Six families with dreams and aspirations. Six families vying to win the competition. Six families who shared their humble beginnings.
The Search for Model Family 2023 in the City of Koronadal is intensified to create awareness and continuous advocacy on family welfare and responsible parenthood. This year, seven Barangays nominated seven families who have served as role models in their respective Barangays and have consistently promoted a good family life and well-being.
The families who participated in the said competition are: Valente Family (Barangay Avancena), Sabang Family (Barangay Paraiso), Villanueva Family (Barangay Zone 3), Panaguiton Family (Barangay Concepcion), Balquin Family (Barangay Saravia), Pablo Family (Barangay Caloocan), and Aspilla Family (Barangay Sta. Cruz). These families were asked to share their experiences with the quality of relationships among family members, resource management, and community involvement, among other things.
After a weeklong survey and interviews of the families, the assessment committee collated their stories below.
Rolando and Gina Valente of Barangay Avancena are both active members of their Purok and Barangay. Mrs. Valente is an award-winning Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) who has also served as the Population Coordinator of their Barangay. On the other hand, Mr. Valente, was a former Layco Cooperator and has served as the president of an Irrigation Association. This passion for serving has been inherited by their two children when they took up Bachelor of Science in Social Work and aimed at delving into people and the communities’ development.
On the other hand, the Sabang Family of Barangay Paraiso was also nominated and the representative of the Indigenous People Model Family. Public service, volunteerism and leadership – these are the reasons behind the family’s nomination. Mr. Renato and Mrs. Delfa Sabang did not just become the role model of their children, but more so in their community who extended help for their Barangay, church and school.
The nominee of Barangay Zone 3 also shared their inspiring story. Nestor and Ernelita Villanueva both came from humble beginnings – Nestor who used to be a working student and Ernelita who has tried selling Tupperwares in the neighborhood. Now, aside from being financially free, they are blessed with children who excel both in sports and academics. Mr. and Mrs. Villanueva are also expressing contentment that the whole family continuously seeks the presence of God – they go to church together and help in constructing their Parish Church.
The nominee of Barangay Concepcion is Panaguiton Family – a family structured with love, care and principles. Dante and Analie Panaguiton raised their children to be respectful of their elders and older siblings. At first, this was misunderstood by their children, but later realized that their father’s strict rules helped them to better themselves. The family might not be well-off but they are certain that they are oozing with love and respect for each other.
Next, the Balquin Family’s story is something to be amazed as well. Nominated by Barangay Saravia, the family shared how they stood still despite all the hindrances they faced. For them, the secret formula to every family is maintaining an open communication among family members. Mr. Percival and Mrs. Perla Balquin kept an open line among their children and always reminded them to surrender everything to God. The family’s spiritual foundation is one to be recognized as they do not just serve but contribute in one way or another to every activity that the church is conducting.
Barangay Caloocan, on the other hand, nominated the Pablo Family. Noel and Belia Pablo took pride in their four children who all graduated in college despite financial difficulties. Their only ally in supporting the kids are their persistence to look for every work available. Mr. Pablo was once a farmer and a stall vendor at Koronadal City China Town. Despite all these, they did not lose hope, believing that God is always with them.
Finally, Barangay Sta. Cruz bet, Aspilla Family, took an emotional ride while narrating their story. Mr. Aroso and Mrs. Shiela Aspilla started their family at a young age, the reason why they received backlash for the decision they made. However, it did not hinder them to still achieve their dream – to let their children go away with what they experience in life. And that paid off as their children graduated from college at their respective degrees.
The selection process of who will advance to the next phase of the competition underwent a thorough process with evaluators and assessment committees coming from different departments and stakeholders – representatives from CSDWO, DepEd, City Health Office, DILG, Religious sector, Model Family Association, committee on Women, Children and Family relations of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, as well as SP’s committee on Social Services.
The winning model family will advance to the provincial-wide Search for Model Family 2023.