With the theme “Emancipating the Youth: Unfolding the talents and skills through the beauty of arts,” the Nasgat Cluster of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Ilocos Norte conducted the 2nd Semestral Youth Solidarity Event at the Municipal Auditorium of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.

Expanded Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) grantees and out-of-school youths (OSYs) from the Municipalities of Adams, Pagudpud, Bangui, Dumalneg, Burgos, and Pasuquin enjoyed the one-day activity filled with various team building games and talent contests.

A mass officiated by Bishop Elorde Mateo kicked off the event followed by the parade of the participants which started in front of the municipal hall and ended at the auditorium with loud drumbeats and yells.

In SB Member Elsie Bascao’s lecture, she stated, “The youth are the product of the Divine Art. They are appointed by God as His helping hand.” She added that upon creation, everyone is blessed with freedom, intelligence, and talents. Do not use freedom to indulge in sinful nature rather serve one another in love.

The participants transformed into total performers during the competitions on chorale and dance sport. “Seasons of Love” was the generic song rendered by the contenders in the chorale competition. The Municipality of Dumalneg’s rendition was adjudged as the best version.

The dance floor was figuratively set on fire as the dance sport contestants grooved like professional dancers in the rhythm of chacha, rumba, and jive. Each pair amused the audience with their awesome performances in each dance category. Again, the Municipality of Dumalneg represented by Elvira Joyce Pradron and Kim Gi Jong Tomas conquered the dance floor and was hailed as the champion.

Among  the eight entries in the charcoal painting contest, the masterpiece of Leimar Padre from Bangui, Ilocos Norte appealed most to the judges.

Winners were awarded with certificates and cash prizes. Judges in the chorale and dance sport competition were Dr. Leonilo Reginaldo, Dr. Epifanio Rico, Mr. Francisco Udaundo, Mr. Salvador Calilan, and Mr. Ricardo Laciste, from the Department of Education-Pasuquin. For the charcoal painting, Ilocos Norte Provincial Link Ronald Vincent Punio, Institutional Partnership Development Officer Sharon Roldan, and Pantawid Pamilya Information Officer Jaesem Ryan Gaces served as judges. (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Information Officer II/Pantawid Pamilya)