Children’s congress to advance creativity

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines  – It’s all set for the 5th Dagupan Children’s Congress at CSI Stadia from Oct. 14 to 16 on the theme Advancing Children’s Creative Talents and Well-Being to be hosted by the Dagupan City Schools Division of the Department of Education (DepEd) 

Assistant City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Lourdes Servito, the congress focal person, said that this year’s event will be spiced up with a lot of contests, workshops and discussions particularly on DepEd’s anti-bullying program, a report from the City Information Office said.

Servito said that after the opening ceremony on the opening day, two psychologists will lecture on anti-bullying.

“We will be having an anti-bullying session where theater arts students will portray different acts of bullying in a play so that it will be clear to the children that there are certain acts of bullying that they should avoid and how they should act to bullying situations,” she said.

Mayor Belen Fernandez pledged her support in the campaign against school bullying to protect the students and promote a zero-tolerance policy for any act of discrimination.

“We want those who bully to understand their actions and we want to provide help to those who have been bullied. The local government is helping the Parents Teachers Association to move this anti-bullying campaign all over the schools,” said Fernandez.

Servito expects at least 600 pupils and students coming from the different public elementary and secondary schools and private schools to attend the congress.

Others attending include members of the Child Protection Committee in every school headed by  the principals, guidance counselors, faculty president, pupil government, barangay and the PTA.

“The second and last day of the congress will be devoted to bringing out the potentials and talents of our students in the different subject areas as they will compete with one another in portraying the arts and culture of the city,” Servito said.

She added that this year’s motif is barrio fiesta and the students will be competing in “laro ng lahi” like “palo-sebo”, tug-of-war and sack race.

The Little Mr. and Miss Children’s Congress contestants will also be dressed in Filipiña attires.

“We are also having an on-the-spot jingle writing contest and a song writing contest which will serve as the theme song of the annual Children’s Congress,” Servito said.

Students will also compete in the search for the acoustic diva, interpretative dance, essay writing, slogan and poster-making, spelling, coloring, salad making and basketball 3 on 3.

“There will also be contests in commercial photography ICT designs and in math challenge,” Servito said.