“Being poor is temporary if you dream big and work hard.”
These words from Yasmin Buac Baguio, 11, from Brgy. Ytaya, Lazi, Siquijor, made her stand out for being a model child-beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). It became a shining example of her as an “exemplary child.”
Recently recognized as the winner of the 4Ps Exemplary Child in the Provincial Search 2024, Baguio’s achievements have made a significant impact in her school, Ytaya Elementary, and the province of Siquijor.
As the eldest daughter of Jansen Mae D. Buac and Elbert M. Bagiuo, Jr., she has consistently excelled academically, earning honors from Grades 1 to 5. Now in 6th grade, she continues to embody the value of hard work and leadership as the president of the Supreme Elementary Learners Government (SELG).
Lenie S. Luntayao, Baguio’s adviser, praised her commitment to strive for academic excellence and active participation in various school activities.
“Si Yasmin usa ka modelo nga bata tungod kay gibuhat nya ang tanan gikan pa sa Grade 1 hangtod Grade 5 sya, usa ka consistent honor. Ug karong Grade 6, usa pud sya ka lider sa eskuylahan, isip presidente sa SELG,” Luntayao said.
(Yasmin is a model child because she did everything from Grade 1 to Grade 5 to be a consistent honor. And now in Grade 6, she is also a school leader, as the president of SELG.)
Beyond academics, Baguio is deeply engaged in her community, actively participating in church activities.
“Naga-apil pud ko sa church namo like mag-read ko ta’s mo apil pud ko sa activities sa simbahan,” she said.
(I also participate in our church activities, like reading and other activities.)
Fr. Lindon Cerna, a parish priest of Sta. Barbara Parish in Campalanas, Lazi , Siquijor, lauded Baguio’s commitment to participate actively in the church.
“Sa among monthly masses diha sa (In our monthly masses at) Sta. Cruz Chapel, part of Brgy. Ytaya, most of the time, akong makit-an si Yasmin diha sa iyang pagsimba (I often see Yasmin there attending worship services), which is also a good sign especially sa mga batan-on karon (among the youth today),” Cerna said.
Physical fitness and discipline are also integral to Baguio’s life. As a member of the White Eagles Club Moo Duk Kwan Soo Bahk Doo, she embraces martial arts not only for self-defense but also to maintain a healthy mind and body.
“Naga-apil ko sa (I joined) karate, White Eagles Club Moo Duk Kwan Soo Bahk Doo, and naga-apil ko ani para (and I joined this for) self-defense, healthy mind, and healthy body,” she said.
Baguio’s creativity also shows through her passion for photography, a hobby she nurtures.
“Naga-apil pud ko sa basic photography skills by RAD creatives tas karon, mao na ang akong hilig,” she said.
(I also joined a basic photography skills course by RAD Creatives, and now this has become my hobby.)
She said that this hobby not only brings her joy but also serves as a potential source of income. She is always on the lookout for opportunities to practice her skills by taking pictures during family gatherings, school events, or natural landscapes around her.
Inspired by her parents’ shared learning from the 4Ps Family Development Sessions (FDS), Baguio advocates for financial responsibility among the youth, to invest and save money in their own little way.
“Ang akong advocacy is encouraging young as elementary nga magsave ug mag-invest para sa ilang brighter future nga parehas nako. Naka-save nako sa Paglaum Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PMPC) para pud sa akong brighter future,” she said.
(My advocacy is to encourage young people to save and invest their money for a brighter future. I was able to save money at the PMPC for my future.)
With her own savings at PMPC, she embodies the principles of financial literacy that she hopes to share and inspire with others, as she believes that starting early can lead to significant benefits later on in life. (MFH/PIA7-Siquijor)
