LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) –The Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSWC) Bicol recently organized a museum tour for 20 children ages between three and 10 years old.
The activity was held Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Philippine National Museum Bicol, located at the Cagsawa Ruins Brgy. Busay Daraga, Albay was spearheaded by RSWC Bicol and Regional Juvenile Justice for the Welfare of Children RJJWC in line with the celebration of National Children’s Month 2023.
The theme for this year was “Healthy, Nourished, Sheltered: Ensuring the Right to Life for All,” with focus on the health and nutrition of children.
The kids had the opportunity to learn the basic gardening techniques at the Philippine National Museum Bicol, with the help of the museum staff. The children were allowed to have a hands-on gardening experience and had a lot of fun.
Micah Samantha C. Olavides, one of the participants, said that she learned gardening during the demo and was happy as she watched the activities at the museum.
“Salamat po sa nagturo po sa amin mag-gardening at nag take ng time para magturo sa amin dito. Nag enjoy po ako dito sa museum,” said Micah Smantha C. Olavides.
The activity also endeavors to impart to participants an appreciation of the significance of historical artifacts and foster an understanding of their role in connecting present-day human civilization and its relationship with nature.
RSWC Bicol Regional Coordinator Ana Marie B. Binamira-Telimban said this year’s tour to the Philippine National Museum in Bicol is a realization of the unanimous suggestion of children during the brainstorming activity last March 2023.
“This year, itong activity po na ito ay suggested or recommended ng ating mga child representatives nationwide during the brainstorming session last March 2023 na ginawa po ng Council for the Welfare of Children. So ito pong activity na exploring the museum isa sa mga activitiesna recommended nila,” said Ana Marie B.Binamira-Telimban.
Most of the kids who participated are members of the RSWC inter-agency stakeholders.
Aside from the gardening demo, the museum tour also included a gallery tour, and painting at the butterfly garden, which made the activity an exciting part of the Children’s Month celebration.
Philippine National Police’s Women and Children’s Desk Chief for Albay, Police Major Nyra B. Vizcaya, Chief said the activity of the RSWC Bicol can contribute to the children’s readiness to deal with practical life skills in the future.
“Yong activity ngayon is maganda kasi nabibigyan sila ng opportunity na matutolaong lao na sa mga practical na kailangan sa buhay tulad ng kaninang activity na nagtanim sila at nagprepare sia ng soil para sa compost at saka yung mga activity na maapreciate nila ang nature,” Vizcaya added.
The organizer also encouraged the public, especially the parents to bring their children to the museum and have them experience the learnings and fun not only during the celebration of Children’s Month but during weekends to give their children chances to enjoy their exploratory stage in life.
The Regional Sub-committee for the Welfare of Children is the regional counterpart of the Council for the Welfare of Children, which is the focal inter-agency body of the Philippine Government for children. The committee is mandated to coordinate the implementation and enforcement of all laws, formulate an integrated national policy and long-range programs, and monitor and evaluate the implementation of this policy, and all programs and services.
Additionally, their goal is to advocate and mobilize resource assistance for the general protection of children in consonance with Presidential Decree 603, amended by Executive Order 233 of 1987. (PIA 5)
