TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Remedios Galingao of Balenciago Norte, Pasil was named the Most Outstanding Parent Leader in Kalinga during the awarding ceremony held at Davidson Hotel on February 21.
Galingao was asked what made her a unique parent leader in Kalinga that will make her stand out in the whole Cordillera region and she answered “my advocacy on health and environmental sanitation which I always campaign for during Family Development sessions and I even go to my members’ houses to insure that they comply with what I want them to do, like having a backyard garden, water-sealed toilet, and a compost pit. I also campaign for 100% compliance of all the conditions set by the 4Ps program especially in school attendance’’.
During the interview, Galingao was in tears for the big help that the Pantawid Program has given her and her family, such as the cash support for health, education and nutrition needs of her children which she can not by herself do since she has no regular source of income.
‘’I did not expect that I will win today since all other nominees are equally deserving of the win but I guess being a parent leader and barangay health worker for eight years and religious leaders for 10 years gave me the advantage,’’ Galingao expressed.
Meanwhile, in a message given by Ritz Aquino, Social Welfare Officer III of the Pantawid Program, she said that parent leaders are a big help in the community since they serve as the voice of the agency (Department of Social Welfare and Development) and transmit first-hand information to their members. She added that their effort is commendable and they work tirelessly even if they do not receive any renumeration for their sacrifices.
Other nominees include Rowena Osia (2nd runner- up-Rizal), Julinda Catriz (1st runner- up-Pinukpuk), Marcelina Malnawan (Tinglayan), Ponciano Gumabay (Balbalan), Zenaida Cawilan (Tabuk City), Jovita Acuat (Tanudan) and Lydia Domingo (Lubuagan).
The criteria set for this award are Character (primarily based on actions, gestures, manner and sincerity in words, thoughts, and actions), Communication (ability to convey and express the right message of the program), Insight (ability to define who is an outstanding parent leader), and Knowledge on program implementation and Completeness of documents.
The panel of judges composed Esperita Gamatero, Assistant Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer; Frances Sebastian, Nutritionist-Dietician II of the Provincial Health Office; Ramonchito Soriano of Tabuk City Schools Division Office; Imelda Polig of Social Welfare and Development Office-Kalinga; and Civil Society Organization representative Pastor Jovito Garcia.
Top three winners received P5,000, P3,500, and P2,000 with a certificate while non-winners received P1,000.00.
By Darwin S. Serion