IN FARAWAY SORSOGON VILLAGE: SK leaders play Santa, organize fun-filled events

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

LEGAZPI CITY --- Children in the rural village of Monbon in Irosin, Sorsogon, have more to celebrate this Christmas. Their Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) organized several festive activities before Christmas Day.

Twelve-year-old Jhoemico Lincuna joined a spelling bee and won first place, earning P1,000, while his team also took part in a quiz bee, finished second, and received P500 during the “Padurunungan: Academic and Literary Contest” on Monday, December 22.

“The SK leaders are great because they made everyone in Monbon happy,” said Lincuna, who is an academic standout at Monbon Elementary School.

His schoolmate, John Christian Dorol, also 12, expressed his gratitude to the Monbon SK after receiving a Lego toy during the SK’s gift-giving event last Monday.

“My Christmas is joyful because of our SK,” he said.

In collaboration with staff from Monbon Elementary School, Bliss Elementary School, and the non-government organization Tindog Kabataang Monbonanon, the Monbon SK played Santa Claus for nearly a thousand learners, providing each child with a new toy during the gift-giving event.

Monbon SK Chair Ralph Kevin Balaguer emphasized the importance of bringing joy to children during this season of giving, especially considering the academic challenges they face throughout the year.

“Christmas is a time for kids, so no child should feel unhappy this holiday season,” Balaguer said, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino.

The council organized eight activities for all youths in Monbon to celebrate Christmas, including badminton, table tennis, and online e-sports tournaments for Mobile Legends and Call of Duty, among others.

Balaguer noted that they initiated this Christmas tradition last year.

Additionally, older youths in Monbon participated in a symposium on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and mental health, organized by the Monbon SK with assistance from health professionals from St. Expeditus Medical Emergency Response Services.

They also offered HIV testing and distributed contraceptives to interested youths on Dec. 22.

“Monbon SK is always here to bring you joy. We will organize various events every Christmas to make your experience the most fulfilling,” Balaguer said. (Nicole Frilles contributed to this story)