2024 Model Family Dullano: A Beacon of Inspiration
The Dullano family of Barangay Topland has been named the City of Koronadal’s Model Family for 2024 after demonstrating remarkable resilience and perseverance. Standing out from ten other deserving aspirants, the family’s story of strength and inspiration has captured the hearts of the evaluators, setting a shining example for families throughout the city to follow.
Mr. Rodrigo and Mrs. Mary Jane Dullano, along with their children, earned the prestigious title through their story of triumph over adversity, active community involvement, exemplary parenting skills, steadfast faith, worth replicating values and character, determination, and hard work. They are also the city’s official entry for the “2024 Search for Most Outstanding Model Family” in South Cotabato.
The Dullano story exemplifies perseverance. Their lives demonstrate the determination to overcome adversity. They were successful in sending their three children to college, and the two daughters graduated with honors, despite the fact that their lives as farmers and caretakers of their relatives’ farmland had been extremely difficult as their primary source of income. Cacao Tablea production is one of their main sources of earnings. They had previously been featured in the ANDRA Philippine brochure for their exceptional contributions to sustainable agriculture.
Aside from their agricultural endeavors, the family is active in their local Seventh-Day Adventist church. They sing in the church choir, and the couple serves the church as deacon and deaconess. According to them, they usually sing at funerals when asked. The father, Rodrigo, shared how he raised his children to be God-fearing. Every night, he would gather them to tell them Bible stories in order to instill spiritual values that they could carry with them as they navigate the journey of life.
They also get involved in community and charitable activities, like running a feeding program in an IP Sitio in Barangay Topland. When there are Bayanihan activities in their barangay or purok, the Dullano couple actively participates.
Furthermore, the family exhibits physical fitness. The couple enjoys cycling, and Mary Jane, the mother, has previously taught KARAKASA exercise classes in Rizal Park. Despite their vigorous physical routine, they manage to care for their farm and plants. Planted with vegetables and fruit trees, the cleanliness of their surroundings validates how hardworking they are. They also raise livestock and poultry produce to supplement their income.
According to the family, “Our family is founded in faith and bound by love, creating a sanctuary of warmth and support in a world that often feels chaotic,” which they are proud of.
During the awarding ceremony on June 11 at the City Hall Lobby, Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena expressed his appreciation to the model families for setting a good example in their respective communities. “Family is the foundation of a strong nation. Everything starts with the family. If all mothers and fathers take care of their children, providing them with a bright future so they don’t become liabilities to our society, we can be assured that our nation will eventually be in the hands of good leaders…” , according to Mayor Ogena.
Meanwhile, the Dullano family received a monetary reward of ₱30,000.00. Also, the family of Mr. Norberto and Mrs. Edna Padura of Barangay Namnama won First Runner-up with a cash prize of ₱20,000.00, while the family of Mr. Abelardo and Mrs. Emma Failon of Barangay Caloocan was named Second Runner-up with ₱10,000.00.
The annual search was spearheaded by the City Population Office. “This annual search is conducted to acknowledge families who have shown dedication, efficiency, and effectiveness in rearing their children and overcoming all challenges they have encountered…” said City Population Officer Janet Demonteverde during the program.
Councilor Ellen Grace Subere-Albios, Committee Chairperson on Women, Children and Family Relations and representatives from the Regional Population Commission XII and the Office of the City Vice Mayor also graced the event.
The annual “Search for Most Outstanding Model Family” aims to honor and recognize deserving families in the city for their efforts in promoting family well-being and development as per Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2016.
The Dullano family is just one of many families in Koronadal that deserve to be recognized. Their story deserves to be shared and celebrated to inspire others. Their values, resilience, and unity serve as a shining example.
Furthermore, the city government of Koronadal will continue to recognize and honor families like the Dullanos who exemplify strength, love, and resilience.