The City Government of Davao through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) acknowledged the city’s model families, employers, and kasambahays in a ceremony held during the flag-raising ceremony at the Quezon Park on Monday.
The recognition was part of the “Pamilyang Dabawenyo, Idol Ko 2024” and “Partner Ikaw at Ako: Natatanging Kasambahay at Employer na Dabawenyo” search launched by the CSWDO.
Lynmar Podador, the Focal Point of CSWDO’s Family Welfare Program, told the City Information Office (CIO) that the Pamilyang Dabawenyo winner demonstrates harmony, unity, and support to other people, inspiring other families to participate in community service activities.
“Ginapangita pod nato nga ga-abide sila sa mga policy sa Davao City and naa sila’y community engagement (We also need to see if they abide by the policies of Davao City and that have community engagement),” she said.
She said it was their first time holding the “Natatanging Kasambahay at Employer na Dabawenyo” competition to acknowledge the kasambahays in connection with the Republic Act 10361 or the Kasambahay Law as well as the employers who work alongside their house helpers.
The Acha Family from the Paquibato District was acclaimed the victor in the “Pamilyang Dabawenyo Idol Ko 2024.” The Nombrado Family from the Calinan District was named first runner-up, while the Sadero family from Bunawan, and the Micatuan family from Poblacion B placed second and third, respectively.
Francisca Glenogo of Agdao District is the model kasambhay while Marlita Calubag and Ame Formentera are the first and second runners-up, respectively.
Henry Tan was hailed as the grand winner in the search for the model employer, followed by Grace Dumale and Ma. Wenona Deleña as the first and second runners-up, respectively.
Podador said the grand champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up received a plaque and a monetary award of P30,000, P20,000, and P15,000, respectively.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also provided 10 kilograms of rice to the kasambahays.
Podador said the Acha family conduct medical missions in their neighborhood, making them an exceptional family.
The Acha family expressed their happiness at being named the model family knowing it was their first time participating.
Domingo Acha claimed that by working hard and making sacrifices, they were able to provide for their family and help their children complete college.
He said their children are now physicians, engineers, businessmen, and dentists.
“Niagi gyud mi og kalisod, pero sakripisyo lang para makahuman gyud ang mga bata (We really went through hardships, but we need to make sacrifices for our children to finish college),” Leticia, Domingo’s wife said.
“Thankful [mi] kay nagbuhat si Mayor og ing-ani nga programa. Wa gyud mi nag-expect nga mahimo ming ehemplo sa mga pamilyang Dabawenyo (We are thankful that our Mayor created this program. We never expected to be hailed as the model to Dabawenyo families),” she added.
Francisca Glenogo, the Natatanging Kasambahay winner, said she has been a house helper for 53 years now.
Henry Tan, winner of the Natatanging Employer, said he was nervous being hailed as the winner as the recognition comes with a responsibility.
“Makulbaan ka kasi being the champion mura ba’g model ka na dapat. You have to stay within that line (You will be nervous because being the champion makes you a model. You have to stay within that line),” he said.
Tan said that aside from providing his employees with decent salaries and benefits, he treats them as family.
“Kasambahay are not slaves. Dili sila dapat i-treat nga mura’g suguonon lang, tagalimpyo. Treat them as part of your family (Househelpers are not slaves. They should not be treated as if they are servants or helpers. Treat them as part of your family),” he said. CIO
