Child program launched in Naga

CEBU, Philippines – Around 800 children are set to benefit from the Comprehensive Child Development Program jointly implemented by the city government of the City of Naga and the APO Cement Corporation/CEMEX.

The launching was held at the cement firm's basketball gymnasium in Barangay Tinaan, City of Naga on Tuesday afternoon. Children and their parents were present during the launch.

Speaking on behalf of her father Mayor Valdemar Chiong, lawyer Kristine Chiong said the child's early years are the most critical years in his/her life because most of the experiences happen to them for the first time during these years.

Bacause of this, she said the Naga and CEMEX agreed to make program fit to the children to build their knowledge and get a better foundation for their future.

Chiong said the program teaches children to be prepared in school, and to ultimately reach their dreams.

The program started with a story telling caravan which teaches kids about emotions and feelings and boosts their thinking capacity.

Chiong said this not only enhances the children's reading skills but also the ability to comprehend and imbibe the culture of excellence.

The second part is giving supplemental feeding with the help of Department of Social Welfare and Development which entails the provision of food, in addition to regular meals.

The third is upgrading day care centers is also an important aspect in the children's formative stages.

Meanwhile, the fourth part is the establishment of kids museum which is envisioned to be recognized as a premier institution of the arts, literacy, and early childhood education.

The program also hopes to facilitate children's festival to provide high-quality educational and fun entertainment in a family friendly atmosphere. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc of BANAT News

Chiong said they will try their best to sustain the program for the next generation of children. They will introduce the program to the barangays of the city, she added.

"Wala pa lang ni sila buot sa pagkakaron apan sa umaabot nga katuigan masurpresa na lang unya ta nga mao na kini ang mahimong mga professional," she said. (FREEMAN)