12 kids showcase talents to mark children's month

CEBU, Philippines — In line with the National Children’s Month celebration, at least 12 children beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development showcase their talents during the “Likha ng Bata, Para sa Bata” contest.

The contest aims to provide an avenue to 4Ps children to express their life experiences, capabilities, and visions through their arts.

DSWD-7 said that six children-beneficiaries used vivid colors and broad strokes in creating their visual arts. They are Decylou Damoloan of Bilar, Bohol; Jessa Mae Catada and Lolly Ann Baluarte, both from the town of Siquijor; Kyla Arig of Cebu City, John Wilson Inion of Alcoy, and Pea Rosemarie Torcende of Minglanilla, Cebu.

The other six children showcased their musicality through a song composition. They are Crystal Faith Daigan, from Ubay, Bohol; Aizeah Christine Paalan, of Compostela, Cebu; Jhon Lee Villanueva, from Santa Fe, Cebu; Mikhaila Dublin, from Daanbantayan, Cebu; Baby Jane Diosana, of Jimalalud, Negros Oriental; and Gleen Diane Villego, from Basay, Negros Oriental.

The 12 entries are assured of cash incentives and certificates of recognition. A social media choice award will be given to one of the entries which will be selected through online voting in the DSWD Region VII Facebook fan page. The most number of reactions, shares, and comments will be declared as the winner.

National Children’s Month is observed November of every year by virtue of Republic Act 10661. The celebration is a way of commemorating the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989.

 “New Normal na Walang Iwanan: Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan,” is this year’s national theme.

 This year’s celebration covers a myriad of issues on children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation in the new normal setting.

“As the country gradually recovers from the pandemic, we will continuously champion the rights and welfare of our children. Particularly, the month-long celebration will take off from the previous and current challenges, and learnings of the Philippines in terms of promoting and upholding children’s rights,” said Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones. — FPL (FREEMAN)