Parents encouraged: let children play

MANILA, Philippines - If kids today were to be asked when they last played “patintero”, “agawan base”, or even “Chinese garter”, there’s a good probability that they may respond with blank looks on their faces.

But what may seem to be normal childhood pastimes for those born only a couple of decades ago actually help in one’s holistic development.

UNICEF’s Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program advocates learning through play in education centers throughout the Philippines. Similarly, the World Health Organization recommends that children between the ages of 5 and 17 should have at least 60 minutes of physical play daily for proper physical and mental development.

In a study by Johnson & Johnson Philippines, however, it was revealed that  95% of mothers of children aged four to nine in the Greater Manila Area consider play time as merely a distraction and would rather encourage strict study time—the  concept of all work and no play at a very early age.

Local NGO Play Pilipinas, during the launch of “Di Lang Laro ang Laro” campaign at Palm Grove, Rockwell, Makati, conducted a rediscovery workshop to remind people just how fun and educational free play games are.

“We only have to look back to our childhood days to be convinced of how free play is a learning tool, helping us to discover our capacities,” said Sigrid Perez, Executive Director of Play Pilipinas, which is dedicated to promoting children’s rights to play. “If you don’t let them play, pwedeng may magkulang sa development nila.”

The event, which was hosted by Luisito “Kuya Bodjie” Pascua of the iconic children’s show “Batibot”, also featured mother and singer, songwriter Barbie Almalbis-Honasan. Barbie sang her rendition of “Bawat Bata” before the campaign’s TVC featuring Bro. Armin Luistro was publicly shown for the first time.

Barbie adds that she considers it important for her child to learn communicating with others through play.

“I noticed that they easily make new friends on the playground, especially when they are with children around their age. From there, they get really creative and come up with their own games and make up their own rules.”

Also present was UNICEF’s Chief of Education Lulay De Vera-Mateo who added that active play is valued in other cultures in different parts of the world.

“Children should be given the freedom to explore and not just tied to a chair,” De Vera-Mateo said. “Help them develop social emotional skills.”

Playgrounds for free

Johnson and Johnson Brand Manager Kris Llanes revealed that a 500 sq.m. playground, “Palarujuan”, will be built in Quezon City. It is a project together with Play Pilipinas and will soon be open for free to the public. A mobile playground, meanwhile, will also be making the rounds at the malls including Eastwood, Market Market, Abreeza Davao, and SM Supermarkets.

Another activity launched is the 365 Days of Play where parents and children are encouraged to submit their own active play games. Chosen entries will be posted on Johnson’s Baby Facebook page: Facebook.com/johnsonsbabyphilippines.

“In promoting a role of play in children’s health and development, we also hope that even adults can pick up a thing or two about play,” said Trina Almario-Tanlapco, Group Brand Manager of Johnson and Johnson Philippines. “Far from being idle time, play has the power to make kids more creative, social, strong, smart, and more. Easy-access playgrounds like ‘Palarujuan’ are there for kids and parents alike to rediscover for themselves the power of play.”

The Department of Education likewise showed their support to the campaign.

"We at the Department of Education support this advocacy because we believe that children can also learn skills and values outside the classroom," said Atty. Tonisito Umali, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs.