By: GLENN D. TIPAY
In a vibrant celebration of talent, inclusivity, and child empowerment, SDO Olongapo City, led by Dr. Danilo Dela Rosa, Special Needs Education (SNED) Division Focal Person, and in collaboration with the City Government of Olongapo through the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), spearheaded the 2025 National Children’s Month Celebration cum Division Festival of Talents on November 25, 2025 at the Rizal Triangle Multipurpose Center.
Anchored on this year’s theme, “Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Batang may Kapansanan, Ipaglaban,” the activity highlighted the commitment of both DepEd and the local government in advocating for the safety, rights, and holistic development of children—especially learners with disabilities.
The event gathered learners, teachers, parents, school heads, and community stakeholders to participate in a day filled with performances, creativity, and meaningful engagement.
The program opened with the much-anticipated Cosplay/Therapeutic Contest, where learners showcased imaginative costumes and characters that doubled as a form of therapy and confidence-building.
This was followed by a roster of competitions that highlighted various learner abilities:
- Interpretative Dance
- Cooking Contest
- Singing Contest
- Mr. and Ms. Kindergarten Pageant
- Hip-Hop Dance Contest
Each contest brought out the best in participating learners, proving that talent knows no limits regardless of physical or developmental challenges.
The event culminated with the awarding of winners, recognizing outstanding performances and applauding the dedication of learners, teachers, and support staff who made the festival a success.
The 2025 Children’s Month Celebration once again demonstrated Olongapo City’s untiring commitment to creating inclusive learning spaces where every learner—especially children with disabilities—can feel valued, protected, and empowered.
DepEd Olongapo City, together with the PDAO and the City Government, continues to strengthen programs that uphold children’s rights and nurture their skills, creativity, and self-confidence.
As the applause faded, one message resonated clearly: each child’s talent deserves to shine, and every child’s right deserves to be protected.
