50 children treated to a museum tour –

CEBU, Philippines — As part of the National Children’s Month celebration, Arte ni Juana gathered 50 beneficiaries from SOS Children’s Village Talamban for its Annual Museum Tour, aimed at introducing young participants to Cebu’s rich history and heritage through immersive learning outside the classroom.

The group visited several historical and cultural landmarks, including Fort San Pedro, the National Museum, the University of San Carlos Museum and Casa Gorordo Museum.

To cap the tour, the children were treated to lunch at a restaurant in a hotel, where four celebrants were serenaded with a surprise birthday song from the restaurant staff and received small birthday cakes.

Organizers said the yearly museum tour forms part of Arte ni Juana’s continuing advocacy to promote cultural appreciation among underprivileged children while supporting its partner communities.

Sales from Arte ni Juana bags help sustain the livelihood of women weavers, provide income opportunities for artisans in correctional facilities and fund outreach activities such as the museum tour, they added.

Organizers said they hoped the experience not only brought joy to the young participants but also instilled in them a deeper understanding of, and pride in, Filipino culture.

Meanwhile, the regional and provincial winners of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Exemplary Children Search in Central Visayas recently joined the four-day National Children’s Congress (NCC).

Representing Central Visayas were the 2025 provincial and Cebu Highly Urbanized Cities exemplary children winners: Prince Anthony Balduman of Calape, Bohol; Mark Andrei Ceniza of Daanbantayan, Cebu; Julia Christine Daño of Lapu-Lapu City; and Jellian Rafil of Mandaue City.

The NCC features workshops and activities designed to develop 4Ps child ambassadors by amplifying the voices of child beneficiaries on issues that directly affect them and empowering them to propose advocacy-driven solutions.

As one of the program highlights, selected exemplary children formally submitted the 10-Point Agenda—crafted during the NCC sessions—to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and partner organizations, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Save the Children Philippines.

The 10-Point Agenda outlines key recommendations aimed at improving the lives and upholding the rights of Filipino children, particularly in the areas of education, health and protection.

Central Visayas’ Regional Exemplary 4Ps Child Winner, Prince Anthony Balduman, also received a Plaque of Recognition from DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian during the Araw ng Kabataan celebration.

Jayboy Magdadaro, a local hero from Brgy. Jubay, Liloan, Cebu, was likewise recognized during the culminating activity for demonstrating exceptional courage and bringing honor to the 4Ps after saving lives at the height of Typhoon Tino on November 4, 2025.

He received a Plaque of Recognition from Secretary Gatchalian, while his mother, Alma Magdadaro, will receive seed capital under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

The 4Ps is a national government initiative that invests in the health and education of poor households, particularly children aged 18 and below. It is implemented by the DSWD in partnership with agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Health (DOH).(CEBU NEWS)