Art exhibit for kids with disabilities set March 5

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Art Festival and Competition, an activity that showcases and recognizes the creativity of children with disabilities, is set for March 5 at the Capitol Social Hall.

The Korean-Philippines Educational and Cultural Exchange Center (Kopec), in partnership with the provincial government, will spearhead the event as part of the 9th Special Day for Children with Disabilities.

Choi Hun Young, president of Kopec, said their organization, as well as the Capitol, believe that the handicapped children have potential and innate talents that should be developed.

He said the activity also aims to inspire these children to improve their lives and practice their skills despite their disabilities.

The art competition includes poem and essay writing, painting, cartooning, and crafting art made of any recycled materials.

A total of 19 schools from different towns are participating the event. These are the special education (SPED) centers from Lipata of Minglanilla, Balamban, Bantayan, Barili, San Francisco, Borbon, Carmen, Dumanjug, Liloan, Pinamungajan, San Fernando and Consolacion.

The SPED Centers from Lipata National High School, Cordova Central School, Tuburan Central School, Badian Central School, Ginatilan Central School, Oslob Central School and Mandaue Integrated SPED School are also among the participating schools.

The provincial government doled out P100,000 financial assistance for the staging of the event.  An art exhibition is also being conducted on the second floor of the Capitol Legislative Building which started last Wednesday, February 18, and ends on March 5, the awarding day.

Apart from the competition, Kopec is also spearheading lectures for SPED teachers and Capitol staff on sign language, soap making, and crochet making for only P100 per participant. The lecture is held at 10am on February 24 and 27, and March 3. — Michael Vencynth H. Braga/ATO (FREEMAN)