WASHINGTON, D.C. – After three consecutive Saturday classes this month, the Philippine Embassy and the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators DC and Maryland chapters held the commencement program of “Silid Aralan sa Embahada 2019” at the Philippine Chancery Annex Building on 19 August 2019.
UNIFFIED MD President Malou Cadacio delivered the opening remarks and introduced the guest speaker, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez.
The Ambassador, in his remarks, reiterated the importance of education and of inculcating to the young Fil-Am kids their Filipino values, language, and heritage.
“We were also happy that the parents and the children were able to be with us these past three Saturdays to learn more about Philippine culture and traditions. From Philippine languages to games, arts and crafts, and values, the sessions encompassed a wide range of educational and entertaining experiences,” the Ambassador said.
“We have enjoyed getting to know your families and hope that the program gave you the opportunity to bond and immerse yourselves in Filipino culture. More importantly, we hope that you will continue to practice what you have learned and work to add to your knowledge. In this regard, you may avail yourselves of the programs that Sentro Rizal Washington DC runs throughout the year,” he further added.
The Ambassador, together with UNIFFIED DC President Rey Dacul and UNIFFIED MD President Malou Cadacio, also awarded certificates of participation to the students as well as certificates of appreciation to UNIFFIED’s volunteer teachers.
The commencement program also incorporated special messages and dances by students, parents and the teachers, who performed Philippine folk dances “Cariñosa” and “Tinkling”, and the Southern Philippine dance “Kapa Malong”. The Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) extended their support to the success of each special dance through their choreographer, Dennis Michael Hona-Hansingerr.
“I truly believe that this is a great program because it teaches young Filipino-Americans like me about our heritage and the country where our parents came from. Silid Aralanhas taught me even more about the culture of the Philippines, and the aspects that make the Philippines the country that it is today. We have learned about the various symbols of the Philippines, the history of the Philippines, and multiple native games as well. We even tried playing some, such as luksong tinik, patintero, and tumbang preso, the games that my parents played as children. We all had a lot of fun, even the teachers,” Ellyce Butuyan said in her message of gratitude on behalf of the students.
Mr. Vince Carino also delivered a message on behalf of the parents, and UNIFFIED DC Vice President for Operations Ms. Liberty Oyzon-Acebo performed a heartfelt rendition of Ako ay Pilipino.
Mr. Dacul officially closed Silid Aralan sa Embahada 2019. UNIFFIED MD Vice President for Operations Ms. Luz Rebecca Sumingwa and UNIFFIED DC Director Mr. Stephen Manangan served as emcees of the program.
Prior to the commencement program, Ms. Acebo likewise led the book launch of “Sandangaw”, a Waray tale from Sari-Sari Storybooks. During the book launch, Mr. Manahan and Mr. Dacul read the tale of Sandangaw to the students in the English and Waray languages, respectively.
August is also celebrated in the Philippines as Buwan ng Wika (Language month) and Waray is a regional language native to Eastern Visayas, Philippines. ###
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