Recently in the City of Las Piñas, over four hundred residents of Barangay Pamplona Dos got served with health services by the Health and Wellness Caravan, the City Government announced via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement. Some parts in boldface…
The Las Piñas Health and Wellness Caravan was held at the Sterling Life Homes Covered Court in Pamplona Dos on Thursday, January 23, bringing essential health services to nearly 400 residents. The initiative, spearheaded by the City Health Office, continues to emphasize accessible healthcare and community well-being.
Attendees availed of free medical consultations, dental services, cholesterol and blood sugar screenings, chest X-rays, ECG tests, and pneumonia vaccinations for senior citizens. Other services included the distribution of free medicines, assistance with PhilHealth registration, and the Green Card program. Nutrition counseling and non-communicable disease risk assessments were also offered, ensuring comprehensive healthcare support.
City Health Office head Dr. Juliana Gonzalez underscored the importance of preventive care, highlighting how early detection and proactive health measures can significantly improve the quality of life for residents. Her guidance emphasized the value of these caravans in promoting healthier communities across Las Piñas.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you know when will the Health and Wellness Caravan arrive in your local community this year?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
To conclude their Health Awareness Month, which was primarily aimed to develop self-awareness in their students, Mindbuilders Preschool located in BF Homes organized a special event entitled “All my Feelings are All Me.”
Prior to this culmination, the teachers of Mindbuilders Preschool implemented activities throughout October that would encourage their pupils to identify and even discuss their feelings in class. One tool the students made and used during their daily Circle Time period was a “feelings scale”, which allowed each child to identify a specific emotion he or she was feeling at the time. The children were also taught to use a decorated paper cup nicknamed the “jellyfish”. By breathing in and out of the cup, they could use it to calm themselves down in situations that made them feel scared, nervous or anxious. Other activities promoting self-awareness, specifically in the Gross Motor domain, were also implemented.
Then, on the morning of November 15, the assembly of preschool pupils, teachers and volunteer parents witnessed two very special presentations: one by psychologist Patricia Pacheco-Beton and another by a living legend of Philippine cinema and television, Miss Gina Alajar.
Teacher Pach efficiently taught the young audience about the kind of feelings they have and how to react when they feel something. In separate turns, a few students were called to the front to answer the guest psychologist’s key questions. The answers stated amused the other children as well as the parents and teachers who were present. More importantly, the little children themselves learned a lot from Teacher Pach’s presentation.
Using a children’s picture book, Teacher Pach engaged the students with a story and how it relates with feelings.
Teacher Pach also engaged the students in a read-aloud of an illustrated children’s book about the myriad of feelings a child can have in just one day! And as the narrative went on, students were able to identify the kind of emotions that the main character displayed.
Veteran actress and director Gina Alajar facilitated an acting workshop with three alternating groups of kids in attendance. In relation to the topic of feelings, she first asked the students what kind of emotions were they able to spot in films they had watched before. Collectively, the children gave answers which proved that they had been paying attention to the cinematic emotions even while enjoying the movies.
Ms. Gina Alajar had a group sit-down with the students of Mindbuilders Preschool about their feelings in relation to the senses. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
The veteran filmmaker getting feedback from one of the students. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
To determine how far everyone could go with their emotions, Alajar focused on the five senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. For each sense explored, the actress used specific items to get reactions from the kids. As children would respond differently to each item, she processed valuing each one’s feelings and respecting the feelings of others as well. Having seen Gina Alajar act so dramatically in movies from long ago, I was very impressed to see how experienced and patient she was when it came to teaching the students of Mindbuilders Preschool. It was as if they were all her grandchildren!
Elsewhere within Mindbuilders were other activities that tapped the students’ other intelligences. These took place inside different classrooms. One classroom had each child decorate a puzzle piece and then assemble the pieces together to form one big puzzle. In another classroom nearby, students were taught to express themselves with music and movement amidst multicolored lights. Finally, a coloring session of positive quotes on affirmation stones was held in another classroom.
In this particular workshop, the students learn to express themselves with music and movement. (Photo credit: Macon Leaño)
Students putting the puzzle pieces together in another classroom. (Photo credit: Tintin L. Cabase)
A student coloring positive quotes on an affirmation stone. (photo credit: Kristine Salustiano)
The session of coloring positive quotes on affirmation stones offers students a unique opportunity to practice their analysis and creativity. (photo credit: Kristine Salustiano)
After all the workshops and sessions were completed, the students were treated to a free film viewing at the play area.
A special activity fulfilled!
According to Mindbuilders Preschool Directress Marah Estuesta, the team worked hard in preparation for their Health Awareness Month Culmination. This included making schedule adjustments due to a major weather disturbance. What transpired on November 15, however, was a huge pay-off complete with a strong reception and the fulfillment of goals on educating the children about self-awareness.
Mindbuilders Preschool’s Health Awareness Month Culmination was supported by Chef Thess Uy Catering.
Philippines film and TV living legend Gina Alajar poses with the teachers and parents of Mindbuilders Preschool. At leftmost is directress Marah Estuesta. (Photo credit: Richard Estuesta)
Words from the Directress
“This activity was one for the books! In today’s world, where mental health is increasingly prioritized, I am happy to have an activity that fosters socio-emotional development in our preschoolers. It is very relevant that children begin developing self-awareness early, as it lays the foundation for understanding and managing their emotions, as well as expressing them effectively.
From understanding their own feelings to recognizing those of others, this activity is a significant step in helping young minds navigate the complexities of emotions. By engaging in activities that promote emotional intelligence, children learn valuable skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and healthy communication.
Our month-long activities encouraged our preschoolers to explore and express their feelings in a safe and nurturing environment. Through fun, interactive exercises, tapping their Multiple Intelligences, they begin to articulate their emotions, understand their impact, and learn appropriate ways to respond to various emotional states. This kind of early intervention is vital, as it equips children with the tools they need to grow into emotionally resilient and socially adept individuals.“
Mindbuilders Preschool is an early learning environment committed to maximizing a child’s potential by creating exciting experiences that inspire enthusiasm for learning. Founded in 2002, it has grown as the leading Multiple Intelligences Preschool in the South (BF Homes, Las Piñas & Parañaque), following Howard Gardner’s Theory. Mindbuilders Preschool offers one of the best classes in the community for preschoolers.
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Author Carlo Carrasco 