CEBU CITY, Cebu, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) held the Visayas leg of their Values School Caravan at Lahug Elementary School, Cebu City on November 13, 2023.

This is in line with the national observance of the 2023 Filipino Values Month, also dubbed as "Balay Pinoy.”

Balay Pinoy aims to promote educational and entertaining programs in selected schools nationwide, educate the students about the 20 Filipino values, and instill appreciation on the diverse culture and traditions of the country.

The event featured the official launching and turnover of the Heneral Tuna Picture Book Series from NCCA to the Department of Education (DepEd) in Cebu.

Through fun yet thought-provoking stories, the Heneral Tuna series demonstrates how Filipino values are intertwined throughout everyday life.

The NCCA used literature and animation to share Filipino ideals among the new generation of Filipinos, with the goal of upholding, instilling, and promoting these values among the youth and students.

The picture book series is written in Filipino and Cebuano, with translation and artwork done by NCCA’s partner publisher, Aklat Alamid.

NCCA Commissioner Arvin Manuel Villalon, in his message during the launching, explained what the book series can provide to the students.

“The Heneral Tuna Book Series will teach the students what is right and what is wrong. Our students can also learn the things to do when they grow up,” said Villalon.

“Nagtinabangay ang NCCA and DepEd unsaon pagpalambo sa Filipino values. That is why naghimu kita og libro aron masabtan sa mga bata ug mga students unsa gyud ang mga Filipino values nga atong gina promote (NCCA and DepEd partnered on how to develop the Filipino values. This is why we produced a book so that children and students will know what are the Filipino values that we’re promoting,” he added.

The said books will be displayed in the library of Lahug Elementary School, where any class, grade level, or student can read and borrow the book.

Aside from the book series launching, the Values School Caravan also featured local performances depicting the culture and tradition of the host province.

Hundreds of grade school students participated in the Visayas Leg of Values School Caravan along with teachers, school faculty members, NCCA officials and representatives, and DepEd Cebu City officials.

Prior to the Visayas leg of “Balay Pinoy,” the NCCA held the Mindanao leg in South Cotabato on October 24, with the Luzon leg to be held on November 23 in Oriental Mindoro.

The month-long celebration will end in the National Capital Region in the first week of December. (RGC/PIA7 Cebu)