44 Young Filipinos in Brunei Darussalam Complete 2020 Filipino Language and Cultural Enrichment Program (FLCP) Amidst Pandemic
Young participants of the 2020 Filipino Language and Cultural Enrichment Program (FLCEP) pose for a group photo with Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero and officials of the Brunei Filipino Educator’s Club. (Brunei PE photo)
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 27 October 2020 – In line with its cultural diplomacy program for the Filipino diaspora, the Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam held graduation ceremonies for 44 young Filipino participants, aged six to 17 years old, who completed the 2020 Filipino Language and Cultural Enrichment Program (FLCEP) on 18 October 2020 at the Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam.
FLCEP was held from 14 September 2020 to 16 October 2020, in partnership with the Brunei Filipino Educators Club (BFEC) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and was conducted through a blended mode of learning due to the ongoing pandemic and in keeping with the health and safety measures in the Sultanate. Learning sessions were conducted mostly via a digital/online platform, with minimal face-to-face interaction between teachers and participants. Online lessons focused on Filipino history and language, while face-to-face sessions were devoted to cultural enrichment activities such as Filipino traditional games and cultural immersion activities.
The highlight of the ceremonies was the awarding of winners for the NCCA’s Padayon Arts competition under the following categories: Paligsahan sa Pag Dibuho para sa Kabataan (Drawing Competition) – for Beginners Level; Paligsahan sa Pag Sulat ng Tula (Poetry Writing Competition) – for Junior Level; Paligsahan sa Pag Vlog ng Kultura ng Pilipinas (Vlogging Competition) – for Senior Level; and Paligsahan sa Bay-Sa-Hin (Baybayin Reading and Writing Competition) – for Senior Level.
Video presentations of cultural performances, which the young participants diligently and enthusiastically prepared under the guidance of their volunteer teachers, were shown during the ceremony. These performances consisted of Filipino traditional rural dances like “Kiriwkiw” performed by the Beginner Level students, Muslim dances such as“Silong sa Ganding” and “Pandala”, performed by the Junior Level students and a Cordillera dance “Dong Dong Ay,” performed by the Senior Level students.
In his message, Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero emphasized the importance of continuing the FLCEP amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in order to provide Filipino children with a sense of “familiarity” during these challenging times, and enabling them to strengthen their sense of Filipino identity and pride for their Filipino heritage. He also thanks the volunteer teachers of BFEC for their unwavering dedication and professionalism, as well as the parents for their valuable support in the success of the FLCEP.
After the ceremonies, all the young participants, parents and volunteer teachers were treated to a simple merienda consisting of Jollibee food packs, sponsored by the Office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
First introduced in 2008, this year marks the 12th edition of the FLCEP, which has contributed not only in strengthening love for country but also in the reintegration of Filipino children in Brunei to Philippine society in the future. END
Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero delivers his remarks at the graduation ceremonies. (Brunei PE photo)
Students of the 2020 FLCEP receive their Certificate of Completion from Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero and BFEC President Louvelle Depala. Bottom right photo: Volunteer-teachers pose for a photo after receiving their Certificates of Commendation from Ambassador Montero. (Brunei PE photos)
Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero (center), BFEC President Louvelle Depala (left), and Labor Attaché Melissa Mendizabal (right) during the cake cutting ceremony at the culmination of the 2020 FLCEP. (Brunei PE photo)
Philippine Embassy in Brunei officials, volunteer teachers, young participants, and their parents sing the Philippine National Anthem. (Brunei PE photo)
Beginner Level students present their video cultural dance performance “Kiriwkiw”. (Brunei PE photo)
Junior Level students present their video Muslim cultural dance performance “Silong sa Ganding” and “Pandala”. (Brunei PE photo)
Senior Level students present their video Muslim cultural dance performance “Silong sa Ganding” and “Pandala”. (Brunei PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.bruneipe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassybrunei.org, or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBrunei/.