It was during a calm morning of January 18 in 2005, couple Bernardo Sambat, farmer and Realonda Yuga-Sambat, housewife residing at Brgy. Saba, Hermosa, Bataan welcomed their first born, a healthy baby girl they named Beia . The couple cannot explain the emotions they felt when they first saw their daughter breathe life into this world. A truly precious gift from above is what the couple uttered. By then, they haven’t realized yet the outpouring joy and happiness this girl will bring to them. 

Beia  grew up to be an exceptional young lady. Tantalizing brown eyes of a mix of Filipino-Chinese, long black hair with a tall and thin physique, a beauty queen material at first glance. Currently at 14, Beia  continues to strive for greatness and makes her parents proud with each and every waking day. 

Beia has been an achiever even at her young age. She has been a consistent honor student since grade 1 up to present. She also actively participates in extracurricular activities. 

Now, a  Grade 9 student in Balsik National High School, Hermosa, Bataan, she still ignites the flame of perseverance, intelligence and leadership she always showed. In fact, she is the Vice President of the Pantawid Youth Core Group (PYCG) in the Municipality of Hermosa. PYCG is an initiative of the Municipal Action Team (MAT) Hermosa and Local Government Unit (LGU) Hermosa through the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) to address issues and on non-compliance for education. The core group will serve as monitoring body and support group for the student beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilpino Program (4Ps) in Hermosa. 

Their family was blessed to be included in the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program for the past 7 years. During these years, the program helps them to sustain their everyday needs especially the schooling of their children. Beia testified the program motivates her to study well to achieve her goal of helping her family overcome poverty. 

When asked on what her dream  is, the eldest of four shared that she wanted to become a lawyer in the future. A goal which was set not only for her and her family but more importantly to help other people to achieve justice. 

Ultimately, Beia’s simple joy is to see her parents happy and proud of all her achievements and to give back all the love and support they have for  her. A very Filipino trait that was instilled within this young lady. A girl with God-given beauty and talent, a kind heart that brings joy to the important people around her, an empathy to the environment and the community, and a goal that is set not only for herself but for other people, Beia is really a girl that shines bright among the rest and one of the many great examples of being an exemplary child. 

As John F. Kennedy said, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”

Story by Jelo R. David

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