LA TRINIDAD CHILDREN SWAP GADGETS FOR GAMES,NEW FRIENDS

Tristan found a new friend over a chessboard.

Across the gym, Irah, Miles and Janelle were taking turns at Snakes and Ladders, hoping to meet other children and spend less time on their gadgets.

They were among around 1,500 children from La Trinidad’s 16 barangays who gathered at the Municipal Gymnasium on Sept. 19 for a children’s fair organized by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO).

The activity brought children together through games, sports and arts, including an inflatable pool, ukulele and guitar sessions, chalk art, face painting, a photo booth, word games, badminton, pickleball, Scrabble and chess.

Parent Marian, 27, of Barangay Bineng, brought her three children to the fair, hoping they would enjoy the activities and make new friends. Liza, 47, of Barangay Wangal, also brought her son Tristan, who met another child while playing chess.

For the parents, the fair offered more than entertainment.

They said activities like the fair gave their children an opportunity to step away from their gadgets, learn new things, socialize and develop friendships with other children.

MSWDO head Melanie Sahoy said she hoped the activity would contribute to the children’s development by giving them opportunities to participate, interact and learn through play.

The children’s fair is part of the MSWDO’s efforts to promote the welfare and development of children in the municipality.

It was held alongside “Life Skills: Safe Journey for Our Survivors,” another MSWDO activity aimed at providing life skills and support to survivors.

Mayor Roderick Awingan said the local government remains committed to ensuring that children are included in community development.

He thanked the parents for bringing their children to the activity and said the municipality would look intomaking similar activities part of its weekend programs.

If feasible, Awingan said, the activities could be institutionalized.

The commitment echoes a message he emphasized during his Local State of the Children Report last year: “No child should be left behind.”

Author: MARIE FE B. WANCE

Photographer: MSWDO

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