Manila, Philippines - In many places in the Philippines, there are families from different walks of life who inspire their communities through their unique bond, the kindness they extend towards those in need, and the positive values they imbibe and practice. Jollibee celebrates the shared values and positive deeds of Filipino families through the Jollibee Family Values Awards, an annual recognition that pays tribute to exemplary families all over the country.
Last year, five families touched the hearts of those whom they have helped, and those who have seen and read their inspiring stories. Out of the thousands of nominated families, the remarkable stories of the Cartojano, Depla, Francisco, Mercado, and Suplido families stood out and, in the process, earned them the distinction of being awarded as the winners of the first ever Jollibee Family Values Awards. A year after their recognition, these families have become even more committed to contribute to their communities, the award further strengthening their bond and the values they uphold.
The Depla family of Sta. Maria Bulacan considers the award an opportunity to reach out to more people in their community. The mother, Flordeliza, a midwife in a local health center, provides counselling and free check-ups to pregnant women in their area. “Since we were recognized by Jollibee last year, more people come to ask for our assistance. We believe the award is God’s way of letting us expand our service in the community,” shares Flordeliza.
Just like with the Depla family, the recognition also helped the Suplido family of Silay City spread the importance of their advocacies, and they have found new technology useful in motivating others as well. “We have been invited to share our JFVA experience with Rotary Bacolod. And when many friends ‘liked’ our JFVA story on Facebook, we took the opportunity to invite them and their children to also be involved in our teen workshops,” shares mom Mardi Suplido.
The award also reinforced the value of helping others in every member of the family. “Each member of the family, especially the kids, has become more enthusiastic and dedicated in involving themselves with the outreach programs we participate in,” says daddy Edonis Francisco. The family organizes feeding programs for indigent people in Quezon and at present, they help feed over 5,000 kids from poor communities through partnerships with government units and NGOs.
Their respective communities are just as proud for having such model families. In their hometowns, these families are considered local heroes. The Cartojano family of General Santos City makes the most of the recognition by being of service to more people. “The award they conferred on us has really helped us in forging vital connections with the local government and businesses to rally support for our ‘giving back’ projects,” expresses Rey Cartojano. “Giving back need not be grand and expensive. Simple acts like collating excess food, clothes, and toys, and giving them out to children on the streets, orphanages, and churches can make a big difference. If you want to strengthen your family and teach your children good values, find a common cause that every family member believes in and work towards it.”
Inspiring stories can also be born out of hard circumstances, as epitomized by the Mercado family of Quezon City, whose matriarch Mila suffers severe brain damage. The family’s positive outlook, solidarity, and faith have not only enabled them to persist but also compelled them to help other families going through the same experience. “The award opened up more doors for us to be able to share the hardships we have gone through, and more importantly to encourage people to be sensitive to families with chronically ill or disabled members,” expresses Daddy Wawel. “A family should not only look after themselves. It is also our responsibility to reach out to others.”
Now in its second year, the Jollibee Family Values Awards continues in its search for exemplary Filipino families whose strong ties and admirable qualities serve as inspiration to their communities. The five winning families will each receive a cash prize of P100,000, a trophy designed by renowned brass sculptor Michael Cacnio, roundtrip airfare tickets to any local destination from Airphil Express, whole-day passes to Manila Ocean Park, and P10,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates. Deadline for submission of entries is on or before August 31.
For further details on the Jollibee Family Values Awards and to get a copy of the official nomination form, visit the nearest Jollibee branch or log on to www.jollibee.com.ph.