by PS Mabaquiao

San Jose, Antique (30 October) -- Hundreds of school children participated in the parade that highlighted the culmination program of the Children’s Month Celebration dubbed as “Hinugyaw Kabataan” Festival, an event to rejoice for a variety of talents, gifts, achievements, including enhancement measures in upholding and fulfilling their rights.

Governor Salvacion Z. Perez in her message stressed that children are Antique’s true wealth who deserve to be given quality care, protection and education. Governor Perez is very proud that the Antique’s children bloom and excel in arts, history, culture and academic performance showed their best in the recent National Achievement Test (NAT) that brought honor to the province with a rank of No. 3, elementary category in the whole region VI.

Hugyaw Kabataan was a fun-filled activity where children converged at the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park for the opening program. After the parade the children participated in a series of activities to showcase their talents.

The guest of honor in this year’s “Hinugyaw Kabataan” Festival was the Dr. Marinus Gotink, the Area Focal Officer of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for Antique. He said that indeed there were many dangers to the development of children but UNICEF is committed to work to limit the dangers and expand the child friendly movement in the province.

The first Antique’s folk festival was the highlight of the celebration. Children from different schools in the districts of Hamtic, San Jose and Sibalom showcased their best presentation of folksongs and dances.

“Hinugyaw Kabataan” Festival is also in compliance with Presidential Proclamation No. 267 declaring the month of October every year as National Children’s Month in recognition of the Filipino children as the most valuable asset of the nation.