Pantawid Pamilya Serves As An Open Door For A Better Future- Arnaiz Couple

Blessed with 13 children, Gilda and Arnel Arnaiz of Barangay Canhabagat , Medellin, Cebu described Pantawid Pamilya as an open door bringing their family closer to a better future.

“Mapasalamaton me sa Ginoo nga gigamit niya ang Pantawid Pamilya isip instrumento nga nag tabang sa mga nanginahanglan. (We are thankful to God that he used Pantawid Pamilya as an instrument to help the needy) said Gilda, 44.

Arnel for his part shared that the program has helped him and his wife become better parents to their children specially that they have 13 children.

“Ang Pantawid Pamilya usa ka talagsaong proyekto sa gobyerno nga nagtabang sa mga kabus nga pamilya dili lang sa pinansyal kay apil nasad niini ang paghatag ug giya unsaon pag atiman sa pamilya. Pantwid Pamilya is a unique program of the government in helping poor families because it does only offer cash grants but also provide aid on how to raise a family,” cited Arnel, 48.

The couple claimed that the program helps them send their children to school, access health services and improve their relationship as husband and wife.

Pantawid Pamilya is the conditional cash transfer of the Philippine government that invests in the education and health of poor children aged 0-18. It also features a monthly meeting dubbed as Family Development Session where grantees can learn about financial literary, disaster preparedness, responsible parenting, family planning and etc.

Three of the Arnaiz children Jhearwien, Glenn Mar and Marianne Mie are beneficiaries of the program.

Aljon and Ardel are starting their own family. Holy Rose, Lovely Grace and Arnel Jr are in college. Alfe Jay, Gilbert and Princess Rose are elementary students. Carl Steve is three year old and the youngest Lucky Prince is nine month old.

A farmer, a fisherman, a chief Barangay auxiliary officer, a tricycle driver, a rescuer, a service provider and a good father is how Lovely Grace described her father.

She added that her mother’s constant love to them and the sacrifices she made are just few of the exemplary qualities her mother Gilda possessed.
The family won this year’s Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya Cebu Provincial Search and will compete for the regional search this July 8, 2016 at the Golden Valley Hotel, Cebu City.