The University of the Philippines Visayas Balay-Balay Child Minding Center (BBCMC) in Iloilo City and Miagao campuses organized the “Adlaw sang Kabataan” on November 23, 2023 as part of this year’s celebration of National Children’s Month, with the theme “Healthy, nourished, sheltered: Ensuring the right to life for all!” The event was held at the Little Theater, UPV Iloilo City campus. One hundred four (104) BBCMC children, parents, guardians, caregivers and UPV constituents participated in the said event.
Garbed in colourful outfits inspired by traditional Filipino costumes, the BBCMC children delighted the audience with their creative dance presentations. The parents prepared video presentations that featured native products, delicacies, indigenous textiles and local festivals in the different districts of the Province of Iloilo. They also brought local dishes which were enjoyed by the participants.
Ms. Jorvelyn Jaruda-Espinosa, UPV alumnus, and Founder and Executive Director of the Maya Playgarden and Daycare Center, Inc., served as the resource speaker for the activity. She shared her insights as a teacher and as a parent, and emphasized the importance of building a safe and nurturing environment for children. Trained in kids and family yoga, she also led a Mindful Movement session for the BBCMC children, parents, and guardians.
Prof. Josephine T. Firmase, Coordinator of the CAS COP-BIDANI, gave the response on behalf of the parents and guardians. Prof. Firmase reiterated the need for family time, and emphasized the importance of proper nutrition and overall wellness of children.
The “Adlaw sang Kabataan” is one of the major activities of the center that aims to develop children’s confidence through creative performances and presentations. The celebration seeks to raise the awareness of BBCMC parents, guardians and caregivers about children’s rights and the importance of cultivating a child-friendly and gender-fair environment. This year’s “Adlaw sang Kabataan” also tackled the significance of ensuring healthy lifestyles for children and the need for inclusive healthcare in the community.
The Balay Balay Child Minding Center is an extension project of the UPV Gender and Development Program that supported 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 3-5 years old children while they are at work. To date, BBCMC has provided early childhood care and early formative education to more than 700 children from the city campus and 150 children in Miagao already. BBCMC started in 1999 at the Iloilo City campus while BBCMC in Miagao started in the last quarter of 2014.
