REMAI ALEJADO
Online news contributor
PAGADIAN CITY--Some 50 pre-teens, of Subanen and Muslim heritage, attended a three-day Arts Camp workshop conducted by the Provincial Government and the CPC-6 Communication Task Force, chaired by Allan June Molde of the Provincial Information Office.
Molde said the activity centered on children, aged 12-15, to create awareness among the kids the essence of the provisions and principles of UNICEF’s Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC).
UNICEF, which stands for United Nations Children's Fund, is an agency created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1946, which advocates for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.
UNICEF’s CRC, on the other hand, is a universally agreed standards and obligations, which includes human rights—civil, cultural, economic, political and social—and respect for the dignity of each individual.
In 2008, Unicef released P14-million as funding support in Zambosur CPC-6’s programs and activities focusing on health and nutrition, education, local policy and institutional development, children in need of special protection and HIV-AIDS.
Molde added that children participants from the towns of Lapuyan, Midsalip, Kumalarang and Vincenzo Sagun and this city eagerly played their part in the activity, which is also in observance of February as National Arts Month (NAM).
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) observes February as NAM, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 683, and in celebration of Filipino artistry and creativity.
For this year, the celebration takes a leap by going international under the name Philippine International Arts Festival (PIAF) where selected artists from different countries will converge and hold events for the PIAF with funding and support from the NCCA.
In Pagadian, the NCCA will premiere the Sambayan Philippine Cultural and Arts Festival and its year-long cultural activity.
Molde likewise said he is tapping the Kazaulogan Cultural Group led by Felimon Blanco, Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts director, who also represent the NCCA.
Joanna Calooy of Lapuyan gave her impression on the said training and declared that it enlightened her comprehension on being a Filipino.
Calooy was referring to the different creative arts workshops like drama, Subanen and Moro dances and visual arts they were presenting at the Bulwagan ng Kabataan, Provincial Government Center in Dao.
Also, Marjorie Paulin, board member of Pegompongan Megayon Getaw Nawan (PEMEGENA) and Tarhata Daligdigan, officer-in-charge of the Office of Muslim Affairs discussed on Muslim and Subanen roots.