The first ever Municipal Children’s Congress at the Municipality of Pilar, Bataan thru the initiative of the Municipal Council for the Protection of Children (MCPC) headed by Mayor Alice D. Pizarro successfully kicked off last October 27, 2014 with the theme “Bata, Kasali ka! Ikaw ay Mahalaga!”. The event started with a colorful parade joined by the different schools of the municipality. Dr. Jeolfa G. Reyes, Pilar Schools District Supervisor , along with the school administrators spearheaded the activities. The parade ended at the Bataan Government Center where all the activities transpired.
All competitions were conducted for the elementary and high school level. There was a fun and thrilling Laro ng Lahi showcasing various Filipino games such as Patintero, Maria Went to Town, Agawang Panyo, and sack race. An OPM singing contest was also held with all the young talented competitors wowing the audience.
The children excitedly competed for Essay Writing, Story Telling, Arts and Crafts, T-shirt printing, Poster making, and photo contest. All the contestants displayed great talents and skills in the various competitions.
Later in the afternoon, Mayor Alice D. Pizarro reported the State of the Children Address to the teachers, parents, and students present at the event. The LGU representatives for the municipality and each baranggay and the department heads of the Municipality of Pilar were also present to show their support for this activity . The address tackled the current situation of children in the municipality and what the Municipal Council for the Protection of Children is planning and doing for these children to fully enjoy their rights.
We also interviewed some participants at the event:
How do you regard the 1st Municipal Children’s Congress? How do you think it had helped the children in our municipality?
“The children were able to develop their self-confidence and their essence of team work. They were also able to develop their artistic skills by designing creatively the given materials for the Arts and Crafts contest. The love for our traditional games was also inculcated among them.” - Mrs. Lani G. Licup, Master Teacher, Sta. Rosa Elementary School
“The event, particularly the SOCA of Mayor Alice Pizarro, was able to create awareness of how important children are in the community. It helped uplift the morale, knowledge, and unity of the children towards a common goal crucial for their being and importance.” - Mr. Leo Dominguez, School Head, Diwa Elementary School
“Masaya po. Lalo na ang Laro ng Lahi. Hindi na po kasi nalalaro ng mga bata ang mga larong ito kaya po ‘yong ibang bata, hindi na po nila alam ang mga larong katutubo sa atin. Masarap din po na makasali sa mga contest kasi nahahasa po ang talents namin. At sa SOCA po ni Mayora, nalaman ko po, marami palang bata sa Pilar at ano ang kanilang sitwasyon ngayon.” (Its a fun event especially Laro ng Lahi. Children today do not know the traditional Filipino games anymore because they seldom play those games. Also, it is fulfilling to join the different contests because it enhances our talents. The SOCA is also an eye-opener for me. I learned there are many children in the municipality and what their current situation is.)- Trev Mari Clare Manla, Grade VI, Jose S. Herrera Sr. Memorial Elementary School
“Masaya po. Mas napapagaling ang mga talents namin.”(It was fun! It developed our talents.) - John Wilson Tolentino, Grade VI-1, Pilar Elementary School
“This is the first time the municipality had this event. It was a fulfilling and significant experience for us and the children. Now, the children know their importance to the community and that they are part of the development and success of the community they belong to. They were also able to discover and use their talents and skills.” - Mrs. Gloria B. Crisostomo, District ALS Coordinator
“Masaya. Maraming natutunan ang mga bata. Sana laging may ganito para mas mapabuti ang mga bata.” (It’s fun! The children learned a lot. I hope there will be more events like this for the welfare and betterment of the children.) - Mr. Ronnie Pizarro, Utility, Pilar Elementary School
The event ended with the distribution of awards to the winners to the various competitions. Mayor Alice D. Pizarro announced that this significant event would now be an annual affair every child in the Municipality of Pilar can look forward to.