LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – When the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Mayor Edralin Alipio, Vice Mayor Agapito Dominguez Jr., the Department of Education (DepEd), Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and other municipal government officials and department heads brought together their minds and resources to assess the state of the out-of-school youth (OSY) of Alfonso Lista town, they reached a surprising conclusion. A good number of these unfortunate youngsters have skills and talents for tapping by the government for the betterment of society.
Thus, the OSY Got Talent program was conceptualized. Forerunner of this innovative project is officer-in-charge (OIC) Florita Narciza, who is the town’s municipal local government operations officer V and concurrent chairperson of the Child Friendly Local Government Audit (CFLGA) team. On Nov. 25, eight of Alfonso Lista’s promising youngsters are competing in the first-ever talent-based competition. Venue is the Liga Hall.
“There is a compelling need for these children to feel that the government is caring for them and it is at hand to recognize their God-given skills and talents,” Narciza said.
On the other hand, Mayor Alipio once more reiterated his unflinching support for the OSY, in particular, and the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program of the DepEd, in general.
“The Office of the Mayor and the entire municipal government proudly uplift and recognize these talented youths that should continue to contribute to nation-building,” Mayor Alipio told the ZigZag Weekly.
For his part, Vice Mayor Dominguez committed the Sangguniang Bayan’s backing by extending financial support for the noteworthy project.
“Rest assured, the legislative branch of the government stands as a partner of the proponents of this project as the bright crop of these young boys and girls across the town continue to amaze their ALS teachers and the public with their outstanding character,” Vice Mayor Dominguez quipped.
Major prizes await the top three winners. There are consolation prizes for the other five contenders. Door prizes are also to be given during the raffle portion.
Winners are to be selected by a panel of distinguished judges, coming from the public and private sectors.
The OSY Got Talent award recognizes leading individuals’ contribution to culture as a key dimension of a sustainable town.
Performances are expected to give each contestant a chance to demonstrate unique traits of the young. Henceforth, it shall draw a fine spectacle, resplendent with all sorts- of feats of talent and skill.
About 80 talented OSY are expected to attend this gathering. Apart from bringing immeasurable happiness and joy to these poor kids, project proponents are bent to inspire and motivate many other OSY to enlist themselves in the ALS program.
Transforming the OSY into leaders and role models should be easily attributed to the ALS teachers Jun-jonet Amtalao, Monaliza Bulayan, Jaychael Calumpit, Mary Calumpit, Imelda Dominguez, Apolinario Paculor Jr., Juty Rafael and Sunshine Tenoso. Sadly, they are overworked but underpaid.
Indeed, the big challenge to the officialdom is to provide them higher salaries as a means of coping with the high cost of living. With better wages in place, young educators will be enticed to join the ALS. It is the best prescription for stimulating confidence among them that in turn translates to productivity and efficiency.
Investing in human capital development through the ALS program is often linked to creating an environment that is conducive to growth and development.
All told, they derive their inner strength from Gina Attaban, schools district supervisor.
Mayor Alipio also lauded the ALS mentors as “prime movers” in the education sector. “Your contributions are as far reaching as they are varied,” he said.
ALS is a parallel learning system that provides a viable alternative to the existing formal education instruction.
Coming from humble beginnings, Alfonso Lista’s OSY Got Talent program eight hopefuls found a way to use their tools and talents whatever they have to make their lives convenient and a little easier. Therefore, the municipal government should uphold the need to not lose its sight of the goal of making sure they are part of the Duterte administration’s inclusive growth agenda.
While only one youngster would walk away with the top prize, the contest would help in identifying contestants with potentials to compete and possibly win in larger competitions such as “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” As such the activity doesn’t end with the announcement of the winner. Far from it! For instance, after showcasing his or her talent in singing, the winner may further be aided by the municipal government in undergoing voice lessons. In case the winner has shown prowess in dancing, then various dancing lessons may be provided or helpful to the cause.
Only then the project proponents will truly say they finally have to something to celebrate.
In a related development, Governor Jerry Dalipog is scheduled to deliver his first State of the Children’s Report Address on Nov. 29 in Lagawe. He also commended Mayor Alipio and the proponents of the OSY Got Talent program for coming up with the innovative activity. By all accounts, no other town in the province is holding a similar activity.
Immense support was extended by Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano to this program as expected. Over the years, Prudenciano has shown that children who are economically deprived, has a special place in his heart. Alex Ordillo, a courteous staff of the office of the vice governor, facilitated a request to defray some expenses for the program. The vice governor quickly responded affirmatively to the said request.
“Ever since my incumbency as mayor of Alfonso Lista, it has always been our commitment and pledge to continuously touch and improve the lives of the out-of-school youth,” Vice Governor Prudenciano pointed out.
Likewise, Board Member Orlando Addug went out of his way and showed his generosity to a similar request for funding assistance.
Ironically, for several years nothing has been heard from the public sector in so far as conducting a project akin to this in Ifugao.
Taken as a whole, these activities coincide with the National Children’s Month Celebration. However, more could have been done to improve the plight of these marginalized, underserved children, still the incoming generation’s bright hopes. **By Anthony A. Araos
