Build a playground, build a community

MANILA, Philippines - Last May 22, volunteers from Johnson & Johnson Philippines joined Play Pilipinas and the Barangay Kasiglahan community in Montalban, Rizal to help complete a playground dubbed “Palarujuan” for the relocated residents of the barangay.

“I volunteered for the activity because I love kids and I would do pretty much anything to make them happy. If I can help kids have the opportunity to play and learn more through building this playground, then I would gladly volunteer anytime! Everyone deserves a chance to play,” said Bea Bravo, who handles marketing for Benadryl at Johnson & Johnson Philippines.

Educators have long established the benefits and values of play. And the Palarujuan playground  allows for such learning-through-play opportunities. For example, the rebar threader teaches concentration and patience. The bahay kubo teaches strategy and teamwork. The caterpillar teaches coordination and focus. The tire track teaches strength and speed. The sand pit teaches communication and collaboration. The motorcyle tires teach imagination and creativity. The swings teach courage and balance. Truly, play is not just play.

“Playing is an integral part of being a child,” said Johnson & Johnson HR and CSR director Sean Zantua. “Unfortunately, because of lack of resources and lack of playgrounds, not all children are given the opportunity to play.”

As partners in the recently launched “Di Lang Laro ang Laro” advocacy campaign, the Department of Education, Play Pilipinas and Johnson & Johnson Philippines have been working together to build a playground for a community whose children need it. “When we first met with the community heads of Barangay Kasiglahan, it was clear to us that the children needed a physical place for playing,” said Sigrid Perez, executive director of Play Pilipinas.

Spearheaded by Perez and Manuel Argel of Play Pilipinas, and with the help of the volunteers from Johnson & Johnson Philippines and the community, everyone came together to help build and paint the playground.

“As a partner in the Di Lang Laro ang Laro campaign, it is our duty and pleasure to give back and provide the children with the opportunity and encouragement to play more, learn through play, and truly enjoy being a child,” added Zantua.

“Volunteering – actually going out of our way to do something for children who don’t have enough opportunities and physical spaces to play – is the best way for us to bring our advocacy to life,” said Pat Villasenor, marketing trainee at Johnson & Johnson Philippines.

The common goal of creating a physical space for kids to play and learn also creates a stronger community. Building a playground also builds in employee-volunteers, educators, play advocates and local residents a partnership that puts the children first.