Mahinog, Camiguin – A motorela driver here has been proclaimed as the grand winner of the Search for Modelong Ama by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Alfredo Nahial Jr. bested other 17 regional nominees to the national search of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) for all male beneficiaries who demonstrated promotion of gender and development by maintaining strong family ties, positive family values, and have positive impact in their respective communities.
A solo parent to four female children, Nahial serves as inspiration for all male beneficiaries and proof to the public that the program helps in achieving positive changes in the lives of beneficiaries though a gender sensitive program.
The Search for Modelong Ama looks for an exceptional male Pantawid Program beneficiary who is a father, a husband, or a solo parent, with age of at least 28 years old. The nominee must also be free from any criminal liabilities, belongs to a household that is at least 85% compliant to all the program conditionalities, and a recognized role model within his household and community.
Alfredo’s wife left the family when their eldest was only 5 years old. Since then, he raised his children and provided for their needs through various works in a local mill, then as habal-habal driver and recently as motorela driver, a public local transport in Camiguin.
Despite financial challenges and the emotional burden of being snubbed by his wife for many years, he inculcated good morals to his children and respect for others.
To date, all of his children are regular students and of good moral character with academic merits. He also supports a niece and a nephew. His children, with his eldest being 16 years old, are very much supportive of him and are looking up to him as their role model.
He also devoted time to community activities. He is a social role model among parent leaders, majority of which are women, of the Pantawid Pamilya.
An active lay minister of the Roman Catholic Church here, Nahial is also a volunteer in disaster response, a president of the Parents-Teachers Association, and a volunteer for the projects of Kalahi-CIDSS NCDDP (Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan — Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services -National Community—Driven Development Program) of DSWD.
He also attended various trainings and seminars such as on Parent Effectiveness (PES) incorporating Empowerment through Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities (ERPAT), DTI livelihood trainings, among others.
During validation and interviews, Nahial displayed his capabilities in communication and in expressing his thoughts on positive discipline, on gender equality, on various laws relating to protecting the rights of children and women.
Alex Abaladejo Jr of Negros Island Region settled the 1st Runner-Up post; Benny Binando of Region 2 (2nd Runner-Up); Concrado Achuela of Region 1 (3rd Runner-Up); and Martial Gepte Sr of Region 11 (4th Runner-Up).
The Pantawid Pamilya is a national government’s intervention for poor families by investing in their children’s health and education. It also gives them access to livelihood opportunities in order to support them socio-economically.
