The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Balay Balay Child Minding Center (BBCMC) conducted the Lagaw sa Pagsanyog, an observational study tour, on April 4, 2024. One hundred twenty five children, parents, guardians, and teachers joined the said activity.
The first destination of the trip was the Fishworld at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) in Tigbauan, Iloilo. The guided tour in the aquarium museum introduced the BBCMC children to various aquatic creatures and marine life. They also visited the Tigbauan Fire Station and a brief lecture was given by the personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) about the Exit Drill in the Home (EDITH) campaign and other age-appropriate safety tips during fire incidents. The children also had the chance to see and learn about the different firefighting gear and equipment.
The last destination of the trip was the Dreamer’s Valley in Buenavista, Tigbauan, Iloilo, where the children and parents learned about organic farming and recycling. The tour also allowed the children to learn more about farm animals and experience feeding them. Lastly, together with their parents and guardians, the children also joined the nature walk and explored the farm.
The Lagaw sa Pagsanyog is annual activity organized by the center that aims to provide BBCMC children with valuable learning experiences in real-world setting, develop their confidence through socialization, and nurture their appreciation for nature and the different life forms.
BBCMC is an extension project of the UPV Gender and Development Program that supports the implementation of Executive Order No. 340, mandating government institutions to respond to the needs of working parents by providing a place for socialization for 3-4 year-old children while they are at work.
To date, BBCMC in Iloilo City and Miagao campuses have provided gender-responsive early childhood care and formative education to more than 1,200 children of UPV employees, alumni, and surrounding communities.
BBCMC started in 1999 at the Iloilo City campus, while BBCMC in Miagao was established in the last quarter of 2014.
