After Sinulog, Mandaue schoolchildren visit museums

WHAT is the best way to do right after the Sinulog?

Make a poem, try ceiling painting, visit Cebu’s heritage sites or just celebrate anything.

The 50 Grade 6 students of AboitizLand’s adopted school, Don Calixto C. Yongco Sr. Elementary School in Mandaue City, did all these on the weekend after Sinulog 2013.

AboitizLand, through its You Can Be A Hero Program, in cooperation with Aboitiz Foundation and Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, exposed the students to Cebu’s heritage sites through visiting Mandaue’s Bantayan sa Hari, Casa Gorordo, Fort San Pedro and Museo Sugbo.

At the Bantayan sa Hari, Mandaue’s 1800-year-old watchtower, a student was amazed by the fort’s wall made of coral stones that are held together by egg whites.  The fort served as a lookout to warn residents of impending pirate attacks.

At Casa Gorordo museum, the children took a glimpse of the different ancient houses.

Karl Damayo, RAFI’s Exhibitions and Museums Collection officer, treated the kids to drawing and ceiling painting. The children were also taught how to write lyrical Visayan poem (balak) by Bathalad members Josua Cabrera and Jeremiah Bondoc.

In Fort San Pedro and Museo Sugbo, the children were able to witness the lives of ancestors.

The You can be a Hero program includes learning sessions conducted by AboitizLand employee-volunteers at the school every Friday afternoon on Math, Science, English, self-development and art appreciation.