South Cotabato, Philippines – The Municipality of Norala proudly emerged victorious as the Gepulgane Family was named the 2025 Most Outstanding Model Family of South Cotabato during the provincial awarding ceremony spearheaded by the Provincial Population Office under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr.
Mr. Jessie and Mrs. Perlita Gepulgane received ₱50,000 cash and a trophy as this year’s champion.
The family also bagged the “Most Liked Video Award”, earning an additional ₱8,000 cash prize.
Representing the family, their daughter teacher Jossie Pearl Gepulgane delivered a heartfelt and humorous speech that captured the true essence of family life.
“When we first heard we were nominated, our reaction was—are you sure they got the right family?” she said with a laugh. “But this recognition reminds us that being a model family doesn’t mean being perfect. It means showing up for each other, supporting one another, and laughing through the chaos. A model family isn’t about matching outfits—it’s about matching hearts, values, and patience.”
She went on to thank the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, the Municipality of Norala, and the Provincial Population Office, saying,
“This award is not just a trophy, but a reminder of everything we’ve built together—the love, the laughter, and the shared moments that make us whole.”
Provincial Board Member Junette I. Hurtado, SP Honorary Chair on Women and Children, praised the awardees, saying, “A balanced family is not merely a unity of individuals—it is a sacred foundation where dreams flourish and resilience blooms.”
This year’s celebration reinforces the province’s commitment to strengthening family values as the foundation of a peaceful, progressive, and compassionate South Cotabato.
Under Provincial Ordinance No. 13, Series of 2016, as amended by Ordinance No. 47, Series of 2022, South Cotabato has institutionalized the annual Search for the Most Outstanding Model Family to recognize exemplary households in the province.
