Three children from Northern Mindanao recently joined the National Children’s Congress (NCC) last October 22-26, 2014 sponsored by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Quezon City to observe Children’s Month slated every October.

Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Child winners Jinky Gomez, 14, Ilyn Jie Nestal, 14, and Kythe James Sanes, 9, recently joined other children from other regions to celebrate the said event which aims to inspire children to become better citizens and that through them change can happen in the communities. The same event was also part of the Department’s campaign on “Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago” – an advocacy effort of the DSWD in empowering poor families to combat poverty through community participation, education, and health.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is the conditional cash transfer scheme of the Philippine government that invests in the health and nutrition of poor families, particularly for their children aged 0-18.

NCC included fun-filled activities that allow children to appreciate their own talents and gifts, improve their skills in dancing, singing, song-writing, and other arts.

During its culmination, the children were joined by DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, Dingdong Dantes, Commissioner of National Youth Commission (NYC) and officials from the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) to celebrate Children’s Month.

Jinky who hails from El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental is Northern Mindanao’s winner for the Search of Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children, followed Ilyn from Calamba, Misamis Occiental, and Kythe from Lala, Lanao del Norte.

Written by Charmaine P. Tadlas, DSWD