Overflowing in confidence despite his small frame, 11-year-old Jake Lere Boyles, a fisherman’s son, was the image of success during the Araw ng Kabataan celebration last November 21.

Jake bested 16 children from the different regions nationwide when he was named as the national winner of the Search for Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Child.

He received his award from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman during the celebration of Araw ng Kabataan held over the weekend at the Quirino Grandstand.

Now on its fourth year, the search has identified young leaders who serve as role models of other Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.

The Search was the highlight of the National Children’s Congress, a gathering of regional winners of the Search, organized by the DSWD.

Jake was chosen among the nominees of the search for his excellent leadership skills and talent.

During the congress, Jake was among the most active participants, giving his voice on various issues that affect the children’s sector.

He also gained the admiration of his co-participants when he performed his talent in rap music using an original piece that expressed his desire to end poverty.

He was also the main character of the creative group presentation that reflected how Pantawid Pamilya is fulfilling children’s aspirations in life.

Overcoming poverty

Jake’s father Bartolome is a fisherman and his mother Armida is a plain housewife from Tigdaranao, Tarangnan, Samar Province. He is the fourth among seven children.

Jake related that his schooling was on and off due to their poverty.

“Kulang po ang kita ng tatay ko sa pangingisda para matugunan lahat ng aming pangangailangan tulad ng pamasahe araw-araw at baon (The income of my father as a fisherman is not enough to meet all our needs like our daily transportation and school allowance),” Jake said.

He said that he had to ride a boat from his island barangay to reach Tarangnan National High School where he is in first year high school.

He added that although it is difficult to travel to school especially during the “habagat” season when waves are huge, he is still determined to attend classes regularly.

Things changed when his family became one of the 4.4 million beneficiaries nationwide of the Pantawid Pamilya, a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor families, primarily those with children aged 0-18. It provides monthly cash grants to beneficiaries who comply with the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers, and attending the Family Development Sessions.

Today, Jake and his siblings can already go to school every day without worrying about their transportation and school allowance.

For Jake, education is important in achieving his dream of becoming a chef or a scientist to be able to help his parents uplift their living condition. This encouraged and inspired him to continue high school despite all the challenges.

In fact, he has been part of different science contests and competitions, and he has already bagged awards in Science Olympics such as First Place in Large Barge and Water Rocket and Second Place in Water Transportation in 2014; and First place in Water Transportation in 2015.  He also graduated as Class Valedictorian last year.

“Akos ko an pagbabago kay pursigido ako magmaupay it akon kinabubuwason para ha akon pamilya pati na gihap han akon komunidad (I can make a positive change because I am determined to have a better future for my family and the entire community),” Jake said.

Other winners

Aside from Jake, four other Pantawid Pamilya children-beneficiaries were awarded. They were Mark Anthony Isaac of Region III, 1st Runner Up; Angel Anne Marie Jabian of Region X, 2nd Runner Up; Ericka Rose Monteclaro of Region VI, 3rd Runner Up; and, Misty Tam-awen of CAR, 4th Runner Up.

Sec. Soliman commended the exemplary children and urged them to continue being good examples to their fellow youth.

She pointed out that the gathering of exemplary children during the congress was a recognition of their role in development.

“Their voices are equally important to us. We will not only listen to their stories, but we will also make sure that their recommendations are put to action to ensure that children are part of inclusive growth,” Sec. Soliman concluded.