Halad sa Kabataan Promotes Child’s Right to Development, Participation

Cebu is known to be rich in talents and skills, especially in the field of music.

In fact, the province has been a breeding ground of world-class musical talent, who brought home the bacon of success gained in the national and international music scenes. Among them are Sheryn Regis, Raki Vega, Dulce, Pilita Corales and Maria Donna,Taneo.

They started learning and improving their craft when they were young and joining different singing contests. It paved the way to their success in the music industry.

The Cebuano artists could follow the footsteps of famous Cebuano singers by participating in the Halad Sa Kabataan contest hosted by the Cebu Provincial Government through the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children (PCWC).

Halad sa Kabataan is an annual activity that gives children the opportunity to embrace and show their love for Cebu’s culture and heritage through traditional music. It is also a chance for them to hone and display their talents and preserve the Visayan culture through music.

This year’s 8th Halad sa Kabataan, a literary-musical program was held at the Capitol Grounds last Oct. 29.

Declamation and oration activities were staged at the Social Hall in the morning of the same day.

The activity also promotes the four rights of the child.

PCWC co-chair Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said that the activity focused on the four basic rights of a child, which include survival, development, protection, and participation.

“Two of the four rights are involved in this activity–right to development and participation. We are thankful that the PCWC made this event for the children,” Magpale said.

She added that the activity would really help to develop the talents and skills of the children.

Elementary pupils competed in the declamation contest while secondary students competed for the oratorical competition. Nine contestants vied for the prizes at stake.

In the end, Excelle B. Teves (trained by Jennifer Alidon) grabbed the first place while Unilyn Sagayno of Toledo City (coached by Nephreterl Relon) and Gracy Angela of Tuburan (coached by Helen Roa) were declared second and third placers, respectively.

The obligatory piece in the oratorical contest was “Childhood Immortality”.

Nine high school students competed in this contest. Levi Emmanuel Bravo of Danao City was adjudged as champion. Nathiel Dean Arcipe of Badian ranked second and Jundell Bangkok of Tuburan ranked third.

Twelve young artists from local government units in the province showcased their talent with t in guitar duet, twelve participants in vocal duet competition, and four groups playing the rondalla.

Bogo City guitar players Ivan Caang and David Molejon were selected grand champions. The contestants from Toledo City and Minglanilla got the second and third place slots, respectively.

In the vocal duet competition, Crizalina Cabanes and Gianne Rose Erac of Santander were declared as grand champion.

“Nalipay kaayo mi kay para namo lisod kaayo idaog labi na nga daghan kaayo og maayo nga mga contestants. Amo pa gyud costume kaysa kilid-kilid pa jud (We’re happy to overcome something so challenging, especially when there are better contestants. We even acquired our costume from thrift shops),” said Cabanes and Erac.

They practiced their winning piece entitled “Kami ang Kabataan” for one month.

Maica Mae Herana and Tommy Jones Herana of Samboan and Aljay Camingao and Ma. Mae Caserial of Toledo City got the second and third prizes, respectively.

The CBSAA Rondalla Ensemble of Bogo City was selected the grand champion for the rondalla category. Colawin Elementary School Rondalla of Argao and Pooc National Highschool Rondalla of Talisay got the second and third places, respectively.

Each winner received a cash prize and a trophy.

www.cebu.gov.ph