As part of the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya’s Family Thanksgiving Week celebration, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office hosted a special awarding ceremony for the “Idol Kong Pamilya” and “Idol Kong Entrepreneur” competitions. Held on October 5 at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, the event celebrated the achievements of outstanding families and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to their communities.
Leading the ceremony were Board Members Patricio F. Dumlao Jr. and Elma Pinao-an Lejao, alongside former Governor Ruth R. Padilla and PSWD Officer Flordelina C. Granada. Their presence underscored the importance of supporting and uplifting exemplary families and entrepreneurs within the province. Members of faith-based organizations were also present, underscoring the community’s collective support for the honorees.
The “Idol Kong Pamilya” award was proudly given to the family of Jerryson and Vernaida Amerila from Brgy Sawmill, Villaverde. Acknowledged for their exemplary family values and community involvement, the Amerila family received PHP 35,000 in livelihood assistance to fund their hog-raising project. They were joined by their children as they accepted the award.
First runner-up honors went to Abner and Juanita Bulansong of Abuyo, Alfonso Castaneda, who received PHP 30,000 in livelihood assistance. The family of Bestre I. Raymundo from Brgy Pangawan, Kayapa, was awarded second runner-up, receiving PHP 25,000.
In the “Idol Kong Entrepreneur” category, Mariano and Eufemia Gandeza from Brgy Duruarog, Diadi, were recognized for their innovative mobile smoked fish business. They received PHP 20,000 in additional livelihood assistance to expand their operations.
Rommel and Evangeline Orpila from Brgy Uddiawan, Solano, secured the first runner-up position and were awarded PHP 15,000 to enhance their piggery business. The second runner-up award, with PHP 10,000 in additional capital, went to Julay and Lydia Bagnaran from Kinabuan, Dupax del Sur, to support their rice retailing business.
In addition to the monetary prizes, the top three families for both Idol kong Pamilya/Entrepreneur were treated to a special family lunch sponsored by some of the finest restaurants in the province, including Grill Hub Resto, Balai Gloria, Mrs. Bakers, Kamayan sa Kainyugan, and Zen Hotel, adding a delightful experience to their day of recognition.
Consolation prizes ranging from PHP 5,000 to PHP 20,000 were also distributed to other worthy families and entrepreneurs. The provincial government, led by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, allocated nearly PHP 500,000 for the awards, reflecting a strong commitment to community development.
Governor Gambito emphasized the significance of these programs, stating, “Our goal is to empower families and entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Through programs like Idol Kong Pamilya and Idol Kong Entrepreneur, we are investing in the future of our communities and ensuring a brighter tomorrow for everyone.”
The “Idol Kong Pamilya” initiative, introduced in 2014 under the leadership of former Governor Ruth Raña Padilla, has been instrumental in uplifting the lives of many families. The program evaluates families based on nutritional status, children’s education, absence of vices, financial responsibility, and a history free from domestic violence. By providing livelihood assistance, it aims to improve the living conditions of economically challenged yet ideal families.
The “Idol Kong Entrepreneur” program extends this mission by supporting the entrepreneurial endeavors of past awardees, ensuring that the assistance leads to sustainable economic growth.
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