12-year-old girl from Lazi to compete for CV in NCC

CEBU, Philippines — A 12-year-old girl from Lazi town in Siquijor will represent Central Visayas in the National Children’s Congress (NCC) after having been chosen as winner in this year’s search for Regional Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children.

Rhenalyn Joy C. Perez, seventh grader from Barangay Nagerong, was recognized for her dedication in her studies and exemplary performance in school.  She will receive cash prize and plaque of recognition during the awarding ceremony on December 7 in time for the Panaghiusa Festival of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7.

Perez is a consistent honor student. She is also active in various school activities. Despite her young age, she already understands her family’s situation. Despite her economic status, Perez did not make it an excuse to stop achieving her dreams. Instead, it motivated her to excel in her studies.

“Kaniadto sa akong pagtuon matag gabie, motago ko sa ilalom sa among katre aron dili mapalong ang siga sa lamparilya inig huros sa hangin (Before, when I had to study my lessons at night, I would hide underneath the bed to keep the lighted kerosene lamp from being blown out by the strong wind),” Rhenalyn said.

Perez is the eldest in a brood of three. Her father, Ricky, is a fish vendor while her mother, Arlene, is a housewife.

Perez and her family is one of the partner-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a human development program of the DSWD that provides cash assistance to marginalized families.

Perez was grateful after learning that her family was already a partner-beneficiary of 4Ps, saying that it had greatly helped her parents in having a much better livelihood as their source of income.

Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre, regional director of DSWD-7, said that the search for exemplary children is a very good avenue to recognize children beneficiaries of 4Ps who set admirable and outstanding examples at home, at school, and in the community where they live.

Aside from Perez, three other children-beneficiaries were given recognition during the regional search – Reygine G. Escabas of Cordova, Cebu (2nd Place); Diana Lorena R. Datoy of Alburquerque, Bohol (3rd Place); and Mary Joy Soneja of Ayungon, Negros Oriental (4th place).

Perez will represent Region 7 in the national search in November. (FREEMAN)