THE Children’s Games series in Davao region got under way with the Malita leg Davao Occidental with 250 Muslim, Christian and Lumad kids in attendance over the weekend.
The Ate-Kuya leadership training was held on the first day while the Larong Pinoy and alternative games were conducted the following day.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey represented PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez in the opening ceremony where he thanked the Holy Cross of Malita for hosting the games.
“Our chairman loves the children and he wants the children to play. We are determined to continue this program, which went full blast all over the country back in 2017,” Maxey said.
Holy Cross of Malita Administrator Sister Elizabeth Garrote also thanked the PSC for granting them the right to host the event, a major component of the PSC’s Sports for Peace program.
A total of 20 indigenous peoples (IP) children joined the games.
“It’s so heartwarming to see them play with each other in the spirit of fun and respect,” PSC Mindanao Cluster Head Ed Fernandez said. “The work of peace-building starts among the children.”
In Davao City, PSC Mindanao and Holy Cross of Davao College, led by its president, Dr. Ma. Iris Melliza, helped put up the Sports for Peace Children’s Games at Lower Tamugan Elementary School. Some 200 children participated in the games.
A leadership training for Ate-Kuya volunteers was also held and activities included the bodots dance, Maria Went To Town, balloon relay, hula hoops and kadang-kadang were staged.
Over in New Bataan, 200 kids had a fun-filled day playing sack race, tug of peace, futbol race, pass the message and bring me.
Compostela Valley Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy and Mayor Geraldford Balbin were present during the opening ceremony. PSC-Mindanao’s Melchor Anzures also led a futsal clinic to about 60 kids.
Similar Children’s Games are set in Agdao, Davao City, (September 20 and 21) and in Maragusan, Compostela Valley (September 27 and 28).