Winners of this year’s search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya in Central Visayas demonstrated how to keep their families strong while trying to make both ends meet, a social welfare official said on Thursday.

Shalaine Marie Lucero, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7, said four family-beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4PS) emerged as winners during the search in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, following rigorous validations.

Lucero cited the Icot family from Liloan town as the provincial winner for the Cebu province; Doblas family from Batuan in Bohol; Fortuito family from Sibulan in Negros Oriental; and Encina family of Siquijor.

In an interview, the head of the Icot family, Jaime, said that joining the search was their way of informing the public how the government aided them in becoming a better household.

The search could further educate the public, especially their fellow beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), that they can improve their living conditions through hard work and perseverance, he said.

“The Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya search is an avenue for us, 4Ps beneficiaries, to tell the public that we are not too dependent on government aid,” Icot added.

Lucero explained that those who joined the search underwent rigorous validation as they needed to pass particular criteria that show their family is strong and upholds Filipino values despite the challenges caused by poverty.

They should also show that the family strives to improve living conditions amid difficult situations, a family that is actively involved in community activities, positively talks about family relations worthy of emulation, and promotes healthy living, Lucero said.

“These families exemplified strong family ties, demonstrated positive Filipino values, and contributed time and effort to their community,” Lucero said. (PNA)