| Bridging and building relationships
during Children's Day
Kidapawan City - The 3rd Children’s Day celebration in Barangay Datu Sundungan held on September 15, 2005 was a success. Residents, both young and old, participated in the event.
In the morning, children took utmost delight as they joined the parlor games. They jumped, danced and shouted with joy as they “fought” squarely with the children of other puroks or sitios. Toddlers also had a place in that event as they were allowed to showcase their flair in drawing and singing.
Adults and parents during that time were given inputs on children’s rights and also on gender and development. This simultaneous activity was well received as community members were vocal in thanking MinLand for those inputs saying that they are very helpful in creating a nurturing, productive and peaceful community and that it was the first time they received such inputs.
In the afternoon, the youth and adults showed their agility and teamwork in various games. Their eagerness showed that they are children at heart who also need time for merry-making.
It was observed that as the staging of such a celebration gets repeated, more and more people are drawn to participate in the activity where merry-making and improving social relations take prominence. It’s as if the activity is slowly becoming a part of their lives.
Giving a significant and substantial part to witness presentations on cultural dances, songs and practices also contributed to attracting more residents to the gathering. The cultural presentations were well loved by little children and adults alike.
Prizes for contest winners were given after the cultural presentations.
MinLand also took the opportunity to give tokens to community members who have been unselfishly and consistently sharing their time and resources in community affairs and also to those who were persistent in achieving something good for the community like the construction of the multipurpose building using compressed earth blocks (CEB) and the preparation for the children’s day celebration.
The unsung and unwitting heroes were surprised to have been rewarded with rounds of applause by the community.
Eyes of men and especially children were glued to a big screen as a feature film and snapshots of barangay activities were shown.
Everybody went home with happy and contented faces especially those who were able earn little take home prizes. They knew that what matters most is the relationship built while being with others in playing games and in displaying their skills and talents in the cultural presentations.(MinLand)
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