Pinoy kids in Brunei undergo orientation on RP history and culture

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino children in Brunei are being given an extensive seminar on Filipino language, history, and culture to deepen their roots and sense of identity, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the DFA cited a report of Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat, the chargé d’ affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Brunei, which said the training program is free of charge and will run every Sunday for three months at the Philippine Embassy Chancery.

Balatbat said the embassy, in cooperation with volunteer Filipino teachers and members of the newly formed group “Filipina sa Brunei," launched its initial program entitled “Pilipino Po Ako: Mag-Aral Tayong Mag-Pilipino" on , September 14.

“The “Filipina sa Brunei" is an initiative encouraged by Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez and spearheaded by Filipino women in Brunei Darussalam," the statement quoted Balatbat’s report as saying.

It said the group first met in April 2008 at the “Ang Bahay," the official residence of the Philippine ambassador. One of the objectives of this association is to promote love of country and Filipino culture among Filipino children who grew up in Brunei Darussalam.

Slots are on a first-come, first–serve basis and are available for Filipino children aged 7-15 years.

Balatbat said the teachers involved in the program are led by Teresita A. Alabastro, Naima R. Basher, and. Noorhayati Cynthia Noorhaizamdin, who are also the pioneer members of the association.

She said the program also hopes to enhance the children’s basic language skills and help them prepare for further studies on, and/or travels to, the Philippines.

An initial batch of 32 Filipino children, aged 4 to 14, registered on September 7 at the Philippine Embassy Chancery. The children took an assessment exam to enable the team of volunteer instructors to better match the program with the participants’ level of language skills.

Balatbat noted the value-added activity as an effective means to rekindle an appreciation for their personal and cultural ties with the Philippines.

Ambassador Benavidez also welcomed the program as part of the embassy’s ongoing efforts to promote the Philippines as well as foster the bayanihan spirit between the embassy and the Filipino community in Brunei.

The embassy is encouraging members of the Filipino community to volunteer their time and talent to the program for the benefit of Filipino children and youth, said the DFA statement. - GMANews.TV

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