The Davao City government has celebrated Children’s Day in far-flung Indigenous Peoples (IPs) communities, bringing the spirit of the holidays to kids who rarely come to the city during special celebrations like Christmas.
The first stop was Tambobong in Baguio District where children joined in many fun-filled activities and entertainment for the Children’s Day dubbed “Alrew te me bate” in Bagobo.
Tambobong Barangay Captain Exequil M. Salandao, Sr. was thankful that the children in his barangay were chosen as one of the beneficiaries.
“Mapasalamaton kaayo mi nga ang among barangay mao’y napilian pud sa atong halangdong mayor sa siyudad sa Davao, nga diri ang Pasko Fiesta sa mga Lumad (We are very thankful that our barangay was also chosen by our honorable Mayor of Davao to celebrate Pasko Fiesta sa mga Lumad),” he said.
Barangay Day Care Worker Merlyn Acquas said the children need not go to the city to experience the Christmas celebration.
“Dako gyud kaayo among pagpasalamat kay ang tanan nga mga maayo nga benepisyo, naabot gyud saamong luga, labi na gyud sa among mga kabataan. Dili nila makita sa siyudad, pero gidala gyud diri sa among baranggay (We are so grateful that all the good services reached our area, especially to the children. What the kids can’t experience in the city were brought here),” she shared.
The children joined in different parlor games and “Larong Pinoy” with prizes at stake. The games included The Boat is Sinking, Paint Me a Picture, Kadang-kadang, Sack Race, and the like. It was not only a day to enjoy, but it also strengthens their friendship and improved their creativity and team spirit.
The children and adults were also awed and entertained by the tricks performed by a hired magician.
Clairevin Jay Taga-ilo, one of the kids, thanked Mayor Sara for the experience.
“Nalipay ming tanan kay naay padula. Pasalamat mi kang Inday Sara sa iyang papremyo sa amoa ug daghang salamat sa iyaha (We all enjoyed the activities. We are also thankful to [Mayor] Inday Sara for the prizes),” he said.
Aside from the children, adults were also treated to Beauty Fair Day. They were given free make-over, haircut, and Birth Registration Service.
After Tambobong, teams from the city government will also visit other areas in Baguio, Paquibato, and Marilog districts. CIO
