by Mikee N. Norico, BA Comm-4, Centralian Link Intern 

Making a positive impact starts with a heart that cares 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗻: “𝗣𝗮𝗴𝘁𝘂𝗸𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗮” program is an opportunity for us to extend our love and support to those who need it the most.

The CPU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) held its “Our Sining sa Nayon: Pagtuklas ng Galing at Paggising sa Sining ng Bawat Isa” program at Iwa Macatol Elementary School in Pototan, Iloilo last February 9, 2024.This outreach program aimed to deliver art education to the children and celebrate the National Arts Month. 

 The program was organized by Jerrome Mark Marcelino, head of the “Pagtuklas ng galing at Paggising sa Sining ng Bawat Isang Bata” program, in partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan ng Brgy. Iwa Macatol and Dingle National High School. 

 Marcelino explained that the program aimed to educate chosen beneficiaries on the power of self-expression through art.  

 “We believe that everyone has equal opportunities to thrive, and art can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and expression,” he said. 

 The outreach program featured various art activities, including folk dance, music, acting, and drawing. The children were introduced to basic skills in each art form, and they had the opportunity to showcase their talents during the program. 

 One of the program’s highlights was the participation of the parents. They showed their support by letting their children participate and even helped with some of the activities.  

 “The parents’ support was crucial to the success of the program,” said Marcelino. 

 Reflecting on the impact of the program, Marcelino shared a poignant moment, “One of the Principals, Mrs. Sheree Biarneza, expressed her gratitude for selecting their school. She highlighted the importance of nurturing children’s talents amidst the allure of technology, underscoring the program’s significance,” he said. 

 The program also faced some challenges, such as a lack of certificates and gift packs for the participants. However, Marcelino and the team were able to address these challenges and ensure that the program went smoothly. 

 The “Our Sining sa Nayon” program was a success. The children had fun learning about art, and the community came together to celebrate the National Arts Month. Marcelino plans to make the program an ordinance in the CPU CAS Ministry of Culture and Arts to ensure its sustainability and impact in the long term. He also hopes to expand the program to other communities in the future.