“Family’s growth and development start if God reigns in our hearts”, Jhonna Von Malida said, during her message on behalf of the Malida Family of Tupi who won this year’s Most Outstanding Model Indigenous Peoples Family Search.
Jhonna Von, an amputee who survived a tragic vehicular accident in her message on behalf of the family shared two things to other families: First, “Let God reign in your family”, and second, “ Let love reign in our hearts”.
“If we have God, there is love; where there is love, there is peace and this can bring growth and prosperity in our family,” she said,
The ceremony which coincided with the celebration of the 7th Provincial Indigenous Peoples’ day cum 15th Kastifun Festival at the South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center has named the Malida Family of Tupi as this year’s winner headed by the couple Mr. Danilo and Mrs.Linda Malida.
The parents who are both pastors molded their family with love and fear of God.
They were blessed with two children, Danny Jun and Jhonna Von, and lately, they adopted Jessica whom they considered part of their family. Despite poverty, the family is generous and kind-hearted as they share their blessing not only with other members of their family but also with other people in need.
The Malida family received Php52, 000 cash prize, and a trophy.
Another Malida family from the municipality of Polomolok won First runner-up. The couple, Mr. Methusila and Mrs. Lucia, and their seven children received Php32,000 and a trophy.
Mr. Bernie and Mrs. Gracelia Fiang of Koronadal City won 2nd Runner-Up and received Php22, 000 cash prize, and trophy.
For the Family Video Winner, the family of Mr. Ruben and Mrs. Aida Bulang of Lake Sebu won a special award and received Php8,000.
Non-winners received a Php12,000 cash prize and a certificate of recognition.
The search implemented by the Provincial Population Office has set the following criteria for evaluation: quality of relationships between and among husband wife and children(20%); quality of persons(20%); ability to manage their resources(15%); involvement in community development activities (15%), kag quality of conditions at home (10%).
Additional criteria for cultural preservation and promotion (20%) were added to complete the overall score of 100%.
The Search for the Most Outstanding Model Family of South Cotabato is considered one of the province’s best practices.
Provincial Population Officer Zenaida Duron disclosed that by far, South Cotabato is the only province nationwide that conducts said search.
Starting in 1994, the search is already in its 27th year for the regular category. The search stopped only in 2020 during the pandemic while for the IP category, the search is already in its 5th year and is spearheaded by the IP Mandatory Representative Boardmember Edgar Sambog.
