Raiza Mae Landero Montaño, a 14-year old student from Sitio Malbog, Barangay Manhac, was recognized as the 2025 Regional Exemplary 4Ps Child of MIMAROPA during the awarding ceremony held on August 29.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MIMAROPA selected Montaño from among thousands of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries across the region based on her academic performance, community involvement and leadership activities.
Montaño has maintained consistent honors throughout her academic career, earning valedictorian recognition and receiving awards in Filipino, Mathematics and Science. School records show she received “Most Outstanding” recognition as early as daycare level.
“Ang pagiging benepisyaryo ng 4Ps ay hindi lang tulong-pinansyal, ito ay naging daan sa pagbabagong pisikal, emosyonal at moral sa aking buhay,” Montaño said during the awarding ceremony, acknowledging the program’s impact on her education.
Beyond academics, the awardee serves multiple roles in her community.
She holds a youth leadership position in Sitio Malbog and actively participates in the KASARANG Youth Federation. She has joined Sangguniang Kabataan-led initiatives including tree planting activities, coastal clean-up drives and youth symposiums.
Montaño also maintains active involvement in religious organizations, serving as a member of the LECOM and Commentators Ministry, Youth for Christ and her local church choir. She regularly participates in parish activities including scripture reading during Mass and Flores de Mayo celebrations.
Her mother, Reny Rose Montaño, confirmed her daughter’s active role in household responsibilities while maintaining academic excellence.
“Masunuring anak, mapagmahal na ate at maalalahanin,” the mother described her daughter, noting how Raiza assists with household chores and tutors her younger sibling.
Teachers from her school reported that Montaño’s dedication extends beyond personal achievement. One educator noted that students like her reinforce their commitment to the teaching profession.
“Idol ko si Raiza. Siya na ata ang may lahat– talino, talento, ganda at puso,” shared one of her classmates.
The 4Ps program, which provides conditional cash transfers to qualified beneficiaries, has supported Montaño’s family in meeting educational expenses. The program requires beneficiaries to comply with conditions including school attendance, regular health check-ups, and participation in family development sessions.
DSWD MIMAROPA cited that the Regional Exemplary 4Ps Child recognition highlights how the program enables beneficiaries to excel despite economic challenges. The selection process evaluated candidates based on academic achievement, community service, leadership qualities and embodiment of 4Ps program values.
The awarding ceremony was attended by local government officials, DSWD representatives, school administrators and 4Ps beneficiaries from across MIMAROPA. Regional winners like Montaño will compete for national recognition in the upcoming National Exemplary 4Ps Child selection. (AS/JBG/PIA MIMAROPA/With information from DSWD MIMAROPA)
