For showing their exceptional “tibay” (resiliency) in difficult circumstances, 10 inspiring public elementary school learners were hailed as this year’s “Batang Matibay” awardees.
DepED Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs and Partnerships Gerard Chan explained that since 2018, Bear Brand Philippines has been a partner of the department in recognizing the resilience of Filipino youth through the “Batang Matibay” awards program.
“Taon-taon, magkasama kami sa paghahanap ng mga natatanging mag-aaral na nagpakita ng tibay sa mga pagsubok sa buhay, at nagsilbing inspirasyon sa kanilang mga pamilya, guro, at kapuwa mag-aaral (Every year, we work together to find exceptional students who have shown strength in the trials of life, and served as an inspiration to their families, teachers, and fellow students),” Chan explained.
Four “Batang Matibay” from Luzon, namely, Sean Geralyn Mara of Muzon Pabahay ES from Schools Division Office (SDO) of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Isabelle Lara Miranda of San Pedro Central ES, and Xoanne Kyle Ocampo of Chrysanthemum Village ES from SDO San Pedro, Laguna, and Matt Jayrus Evangelista of Tibig ES from SDO Batangas City attended the awarding ceremony held in Pasig City recently.
One of the “Batang Matibay” awardees, Sean Geralyn Mara, shared her story to help her family with their daily needs. His older brother who has Autism was her inspiration in overcoming adversities in life and in pursuing dreams.
“Natutulungan ko po sila mommy sa mga gawain, syempre po may mga gawaing bahay pa rin po, para po makapag-focus si mommy, ako nalang po sa pag-aalaga sa kapatid ko, nagiging bonding na rin po namin ‘yon (I help my mommy with the chores, of course there are still household chores, so that mommy can focus, I also take care of my brother which also serves as our bonding time),” she said.
Mara wants to be a neurologist one day to understand and provide better care for her brother and other people.
Also awarded as “Batang Matibay 2022” were Daryl Ashlei Teves of Virac Pilot ES from SDO Catanduanes, Mark John Alayon of Pres. Manuel A. Roxas Memorial School North from SDO Roxas City, and Jerald Pelonita of Mandi-i ES from SDO Guihulngan City in Visayas, while from Mindanao were Marchilyn Guinahon of Lantad Integrated School from SDO Misamis Oriental, Jessca Solania and Cryzon Jay Ambinang of Renibon ES from SDO Cotabato.
The “Batang Matibay” awardees exemplified “tibay (resilience)” and showed optimism in overcoming physical and emotional obstacles just to pursue their education to help their families, to serve as a leader, and finish their studies for a better future.
“We aim to highlight the importance of education, health, and nutrition in every child’s development and their journey toward a better life,” said Bear Brand Business Executive Officer Russell Lipchin.
DepED said that each awardee received a P50,000 cash prize, a college scholarship grant, a recognition plaque, and gift packs. Their respective schools also received a recognition plaque, laptop, and gift packs.