Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) children-beneficiaries in Central Visayas showcase their creativity and artistry while in community quarantine.

Through the “Likha ng Bata, Para sa Bata”, an advocacy initiative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), 4Ps children have shown their creative expression at the same time advocate on safety and cooperation of everyone in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seven children who are future visual artists used vivid colors and broad strokes in creating their masterpieces. These children are Gian Christopher Sanchez of Daanbantayan, Justine Ronato of Alegria, March Karen Cabiso of Cordova, of Cebu province; Love Gwyneth Talaboc of Lazi, Siquijor; Mel Hingpit, Kristel Joy Arambala and Paula Nicole Jumuad of Batuan and Antequera, Bohol, respectively.

An incoming grade 7 student, March Karen explained that her artwork entitled “Pananampalataya: Liwanag ng Pag-asa sa Gitna ng Pandemya” highlights the image of Señor Santo Niño, an infant child Jesus, the magnet of love in Cebu.

“As the cradle of Christianity, we have strong faith that prayer is one enormous weapon to fight this unseen enemy coupled with adherence to the government’s health protocols like wearing mask, washing of hands, physical distancing and staying at home, we will be able to overcome this health crisis,” said March Karen.

Mel Hingpit’s artwork depicts unity and cooperation among human race and highlights the primary contribution of the frontliners including healthcare workers, police force, military personnel and social workers.

“Whoever you are in the society regardless of your status, age or position, you are accounted to do your part because the future lies in our hands. During crisis, the traditional Filipino values of helping one another such as doing some heroic deed, sacrificing one’s life for the good of everybody, prevails. This work of mine is a salute and a recognition to our dear frontliners who fervently serve as our heroes amidst this COVID-19 pandemic. Most importantly, our cooperation and support make us heroes in our own little ways,” underscored Mel.

Four children displayed their gift of gab through poem composition and storytelling namely; Justine Jay Lanzadares of Talibon, Bohol; Mirasol Basallo of Daanbantayan, Cebu; Marianne Lontayao of Siquijor, Siquijor and Nicka Berioso of Lazi, Siquijor.

Nicka composed a poem entitled “Pandemya nga wala damha” (Unexpected Pandemic) written in Filipino and Cebuano. She said that her poem manifests how the government works to help those affected by the health crisis especially those in dire need.

“Nasulat ko din sa tula na walang “forever” kasi hindi naman talaga magsi-stay ang COVID sa mundo dahil kusa itong titigil alinsunod sa gusto ng Diyos (I also indicated in my poem that there is no forever and for that reason COVID will not stay long because it depends on God’s will),” said Nicka.

Ten years’ old Justine Jay said that he will continue to follow his dreams despite the recent situation because this is just a challenge of our time and it will not stay long just like waves in the seashore. Below are two of the seven stanzas in the poem of Justine Jay entitled “Kaugmaon Ko Batok Corona Virus Disease.”

Pangandoy ko akong ipadayon

Bisan pa sa kahimtang karon

Kay kini usa lamang ka hulga sa panahon

Ug molurang sama sa balod sa baybayon.

 

Sakit nga Covid atong sugpoon

Balaod nga gilapid atong sundon

Hugupan ta, atong sulbaron

Mga frontliners, mga katawhan

Tinabangay kitang tanan

Aron kaugmaon ko, di maapektuhan

Batok sa sakit nga covid nga gekahadlokan.

 

As evidence that music is the universal language of mankind, 4Ps children effectively communicated their message across by creating songs that evoke emotions. Francis Andrei Rosell of Daanbantayan presented his song “Kagaw sa Kalibutan.” Siblings Jaymark and Jasmin Catubig of Samboan sang their mixed pop and rap “Covid Song.” Nine (9) children from Carmen, Bohol composed the song “Pagbangon” which they made into a music video.

According to Jaymark, they used their voices in showing the importance of resiliency, unity and faith in God.

“The song tells us that we should be resilient and be proactive in our community in terms of following health protocols and sharing the right information to others. We should help each other so that we could lessen the burden of our frontliners who are also risking their lives for us,” added Jaymark. ###

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