The Delgado family of Hamtic, Antique was declared as this year’s national winner for the Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino (NPP) 2023 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Initiated by the National Committee on the Filipino Family, the NPP was facilitated by DSWD to recognize and award exemplary Filipino families who have significantly contributed towards nation-building and the development of the family as the foundation of Philippine society.

This also aims to develop a pool of ambassadors to promote Filipino values.

“Earning the title is no easy feat, it entails a lot of determination,” she said referring to the documentation and submission of requirements.

She credited the skill, knowledge, and being technological savvy to her children and grandchildren who prepared the requirements of the search.

Delgado family started from very humble beginnings as Maam Benny lost his father at three years old and Sir Joaquin who came from an indigenous community had to work as scholar for his single aunts to go to college.

Despite the hardships, all her nine children were able to finish college, earned their degrees, and have stable sources of income.

As a result of their hard work, determination, and faith in God, this model family was able to produce two medical doctors (youngest and eldest daughters), a nurse working abroad, five are in the teaching profession, and a graduate of marine transportation course turned successful farmer.

Ma’am Benny lauded the support and cooperation of their children who have also sacrificed a lot to achieve their dreams.

They used to work even on weekends or during summer time to earn extra income and for studying hard in order to acquire a scholarship for their college education.

Most of them went to government schools with no tuition fees, freeing their parents from the obligation to pay every end of the semester.

Ma’am Benny and Sir Joaquin are blessed with 18 grandchildren, some are in school while others have careers of their own.

Aside from her work as a teacher, Ma’am Benny is also engaged in many volunteer works such as a member of the International Service Team of the Boys Scouts of the Philippines, a catechist of the Parish of Sta. Monica of Hamtic, and Board Member of the Philippine Red Cross Antique Chapter, among others.

Both of them are also members of BCBP (Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals ) of Antique Outreach.

Now that both of them are in their 70s, they are still doing volunteer work as leaders of the local association of senior citizens and a group of retired teachers. 

Benny was also OSCA Head (Office of the Senior Citizens Affair) of Hamtic for 4 years (2014-2017) and the President of HMSCAP (Hamtic Municipal Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines) from 2018 up to present.  Likewise, President of HARPSTE (Hamtic Association of Retired Public Schools Teachers and Employees) - 2014 up to present.

Ma’am Bene retired as a Public Schools District Supervisor while Sir Joaquin was a Master Teacher.

As a national winner, the Delgado family received a cash incentive of P50,000.00.

Ma’am Bene and Sir Joaquin attended the awarding program with their children and grandchildren. (AGP/PSM/PIA Antique)