‘Little Pastor’ From Cordova Wins 2019 Regional Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children Search

A seventh-grade boy from Cordova, Cebu was declared this year’s regional winner for the Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children.

Jhon Rhod C. Amodia, 12 years old from Barangay Gabi, Cordova bested other three provincial winners, Cleia Tadena of Duero, Bohol in second place; Shame Lagos of Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental in third place and Kathleen Chen Pastrana of Maria, Siquijor in fourth place. They will be recognized during the 5th Panaghiusa Festival in October and will attend the National Children’s Congress (NCC) in November in Metro Manila.

The judging process was based on the following criteria: Behavior and Practice (20%), Awareness, Advocacy and Talent (25%), Intelligence and Wit (25%), Community and School Participation (20%) and Aptitude and Appearance (10%).

Jhon Rhod’s father, Teodulfo, is a construction worker while his mother, Jonalyn, is a housewife and manages her own sari-sari store and sells food in the neighborhood to augment the family’s income.

Growing up in a Christian home, Jhon Rhod always goes to their church with his parents. At two years old, he was already exposed to the musical instruments in his church. One Sunday, after the worship, the little boy gathered their cookware such as pots and plates and used it as drums.

Their church pastor discovered his potential and bought him toy drum set, which started Jhon Rhod’s passion for music. He has developed a bond with drums and the relationship has grown and evolved over the years. He eventually fell in love with music.

Currently, he plays various musical instruments like piano, guitar, drum and ukulele owned by their church.

“My talent is a gift from God and I must use it to serve him. This talent of mine is to express my love to Jesus not just to impress people,” he said in dialect.

His favorite worship song is 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) “Sing like never before, Oh my soul, I’ll worship Your Holy name.”

He believes in the power of prayer and said that through God, his father Teodulfo became a Christian. Upon knowing God, his father stopped his vices and has turned into a responsible provider to his family.

There are times that Jhon Rhod would share to his classmates what he learned in the church and that earned him the moniker the “Little Pastor”. Jhon Rhod also never forgets to pray every morning after waking up and before sleeping at night. He prays when he eats, goes to school and feels uncertain of things around him.

Known for his good leadership, he was elected as the President of the Supreme Pupil Government in his school. He attended seminars and takes a strong standpoint against drugs, cyber pornography, child abuse and bullying and he shares these learnings to his fellow pupils and friends in their community.

With the government’s assistance through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Jhon Rhod hopes to finish his studies and get a college degree.

“Ang pageskwela importante para makab-ot ang mga pangandoy sa kinabuhi (Education is important for us to achieve our goals in life),” said Jhon Rhod, who dreams of becoming a doctor someday.