Poor kids see 'brighter side of life' in festival

CEBU, Philippines - Close to 2,000 children of indigent families from various city barangays filled the grounds of the Don Bosco Technological Center with laughter, playful shrieks, and cheers in the last two days of the Children’s Festival.

Haidee Palapar, communications officer of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. said that the activity was organized by the Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund which offers to less fortunate children opportunities to enjoy, learn and experience happy childhood.

On the first day, around 900 kids joined. In yesterday’s culminating activity, another 900 children participated.

The children, ages four years old to 17, are from poor communities in some barangays here in the city, and from 24 orphanages and centers identified with different vulnerabilities.

“Some of these children are abused, abandoned, neglected, street children, laborers, physically and mentally challenged, orphaned, indigenous, out of school, and also from depressed communities,” Palapar said.

For the past two days, they participated in learning sessions that taught them the importance of protecting and conserving the environment as well as personal development such as proper hygiene and good values, she said.

The children also showcased their talents through the essay, poster making, declamation and dance contests.

“These activities are aimed at letting these children appreciate each other’s uniqueness and diversities, at the same time encouraging them to see the brighter side of life,” Palapar added.

The activity is in line with the celebration of the Children’s Month. — Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)