CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Education has been injecting arts and music in its basic education as these subject areas play significant roles in shaping the lives of young individuals. 

This was revealed by Cagayan de Oro City Junior High School teachers Sunshine Villegas and Farrah Ablanque who said the specialized arts program made students in public schools truly appreciate this opportunity because, in the past, it was thought that studying arts and music was exclusive to the rich. 

“The public school learners are really enjoying that because before, pang-mayaman lang [only for the rich], so, with that project of DepEd, we were able to bring out the best of these public school learners to get involved with the arts,” Villegas said, adding that there is also a mandate to advocate for arts and culture.

The educators also underscored the commitment of the teachers to prioritize music and arts education, recognizing its immense value in nurturing well-rounded and creative young individuals. They emphasized the transformative impact that arts and music can have on students' holistic development, fostering skills that extend beyond the confines of the classroom.

Ablanque said that as educators under DepeEd, they integrate the appreciation of art not just every February but into all of their ongoing learning programs.

“We always make it a point that we integrate localization and contextualization. Part of that is introducing them, the learners, to the things that make Cagayan de Oro well-known. Aside from that, we would like to teach our learners what the things are that they have to learn and experience first. So, those are some of the things we have to make sure that we can impart, especially since we know that art is everywhere.”

February carries special significance for educators, particularly those devoted to the realms of art, such as music and the fine arts. Witnessing their students thrive and expand their horizons in these creative pursuits brings immense satisfaction. The pride they feel knowing that these learners have been nurtured under their guidance is immeasurable. Presently, these educators are advocating for the establishment of similar specialized programs in other public schools.

However, initiating a special arts program poses challenges. It requires not only qualified teachers but also adherence to specific requirements, and schools must ensure they have adequate funding for such endeavors. The successful implementation of such a program hinges on the passion, dedication, and commitment of all involved parties.

The educators stressed how essential it is to foster in young people a sincere interest in the arts. “Not all kids inherently possess a passion for music and the arts," Villegas said. Thus, DepEd-10 has organized a proactive set of events and distributed them around the region's divisions. Through these programs, instructors and students both hope to create a space that encourages artistic exploration and respect for various cultures.

The activities include a Valentine-themed park for True Love Waits, the launch of an art van integrating Diwagsagisag ng Pilipinas, an art symposium in collaboration with academic partners, city museum tours, and the Festival of Talents. DepEd-10's proactive approach to Arts Month enhances education by promoting creativity, encouraging cultural expression, and fostering collaboration with academic partners.

The region is shaping a generation that recognizes the profound impact of the arts and acknowledges its integral role in the curriculum for holistic student development. Promoting artistic exploration from a young age proves beneficial by cultivating creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence, contributing significantly to overall cognitive and emotional development. (PACR/PIA-10)