Pasali’s CEWP staff facilitate and perform at Children’s Congress 2016, GSC

Last November 28, various Local Councils for Protection of Children (LCPC) of General Santos City and co-member agencies converged in the Children’s Congress 2016 held at Venue 88, Mabuhay Road, GSC.

​Through collaborative efforts of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, International Care Ministry, RD Foundation, the 26 Barangay Council for the Protection of Children of GSC and Pasali Philippines Foundation gathered in an activity in line with the celebration of the Children’s Month hosted by the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) of GSC to which Pasali has been a member since 2009.

This annual event for children is done to respect, uphold and fulfill the rights of the children. In particular, the Children’s Congress hopes to empower and gather the united voice of the children from diverse economic and cultural background so as to build an advocacy that addresses the pressing issues raised by the youth towards the state.

With the theme, “Isulong de Kalidad na Edukasyon Para sa Lahat ng Bata”, Pasali became the prime organization in facilitating the Children’s Congress as its “Magkanawong” play became the highlight of the said event. This Mobile Theater Production was performed by PETA-trained Children’s Education and Welfare Program Facilitators. It showcases actual situations in Mindanao which has been greatly affected by history and has incurred divergence in cultural and tribal views and belief throughout the evolution of generations summarizing the core message that this project aims to deliver – equality amidst culture, tribe, and religion diversity. This was the first time for Pasali staff to facilitate mainly the city’s big event for children.

After which, from being stage actors, Pasali staff turned facilitators of the Children’s Congress thru the workshops to around 150 in-school and out-of-school children and youth participants using the group dynamics activities and Respect Education approaches in the small group discussion. Magkanawong Play became the basis for the plenary discussion during the workshop. Taking a different approach in promoting respect, the event has drawn the participants’ attention and action by the way of theater performance leading to equality in education despite differences.