CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10 held the Batang Malaya public speaking and creative arts contests that covered extemporaneous, oratorical, and poster making on November 30 at SM CDO Uptown.
DOLE-10 Regional Director Lawyer Erwin Aquino initiated these meaningful anti-child labor-centered contests in line with the celebration of the 2023 National Children’s Month with the theme “Healthy, nourished, sheltered: Ensuring the right to life for all.”
Aquino said the tilts aim to develop public speaking skills and artistic talents among public and private junior and high school students, raise awareness and appreciation of the government’s interventions against the social issue of child labor, and recognize excellence among the students in relation to DOLE’s Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program.
“We are thrilled to see students on this platform showcasing their talents while celebrating self-expression and critical thinking on the importance of social issues. The impact of these competitions extends far beyond the event itself, as it fosters a sense of empowerment and community involvement among our students,” he said.
Extemporaneous speaking topics for junior high school students will be in hashtags, while oratorical speeches for senior high school students highlight the 2023 World Day Against Child Labor theme “Social Justice for All. End Child Labor!” set by the International Labour Organization.
Meanwhile, poster-making entries by junior and high school students must illustrate the theme “Makibahagi, Makialam, Makiisa para sa Batang Malaya.”
The top five winners from each category will receive cash prizes, plaques, medals for coaches, and certificates for the participating schools.
Consolation prizes were given with certificates of participation for students, coaches, and schools. (DOLE-10/PIA-10)
