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Tinglayan, Kalinga - Life has not been easy for the Saguilot family from Basao, Tinglayan. With six children and a livelihood dependent on small rice fields and forest hunting, the family has faced hardship but with quiet resilience. 

On May 30, 2025, the family’s journey of perseverance and faith was recognized after they were named as the first-place winner in the provincial search for Huwarang Pamilya. 

The search recognized iKalinga Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) families who exemplify strong values, maintain family unity, and actively contribute to their respective communities.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Jonalyn Allin Saguilot, the third among the six children, shared that their family was one of the beneficiaries of the 4Ps program implemented in the province. She and four of her siblings were supported by the program, helping them stay in school and meet their basic needs. 

“Narigat po ti panagbiag mi, mannalun both parents wherein source of livelihood ket babassit nga ricefields; my father often went to the forest back then to hunt wild pigs. Diyan lang po ang source of livelihood. So the 4Ps program had really been helpful,” she added.

Their story of faith and determination, coupled with their strong family bond, led them to be chosen as representative of Tinglayan in the Kalinga Huwarang Pamilya and Exemplary Child search. 

After the strict screening process of the DSWD, the Saguilot family stood out among the other contenders across the province, winning first place.  

When asked what the award meant to them, Jonalyn admitted that winning came as a surprise, as they did not expect to win and never imagined themselves as a model family. 

“...when they announced na nanalo kami, it was both an honor and a big pressure since we do not really see our family as much of a huwarang; we have flaws, and we are not perfect in so many ways, but I think it was God's grace to confer that to us as it also serves as a challenge na maging model family nga and to continue our close ties and love within the family; to continue din giving service and being a good citizen to the community, and to keep the faith padin kay God since He is the source of all things,” she added. 

The Saguilot family, along with the Batay-an family from Agbannawag, who won second place, and the Pancel family from Tanudan (third place), will advance as the province’s representatives to the regional search to be conducted in the coming days.