PR-02-2025
23 January 2025, Melbourne, Victoria – The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne, in collaboration with the Filipino Chefs Association in Victoria (FCAV), Filipino-Australian Student Council of Victoria (FASTCO), Empowered Australian Multicultural Society (TEAMS) and the Mabuhay Playgroup, hosted a lively Children’s Day celebration on 23 January 2025. The event was held at the Philippine Consulate General’s premises, and was attended by over 30 children with their parents and guardians.
Consul-General Maria Lourdes Salcedo opened the event with remarks focusing on family and the importance of bringing up children with the correct set of values. This was followed by a storytelling of Chef Michelle Vista-Capuso entitled, Mapili sa Pagkain Si Aryn! (Aryn is a Peaky Eater!).
The Mabuhay Playgroup headed by Ms. Nikki De Lima introduced several engaging activities along the theme for this year, “What Kids Should Know About Filipino Food.” Kids learned while they enjoyed sorting out of ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ food. They also engaged in coloring food items and singing of Bahay Kubo. The children were given goody bags by TEAMS.
Before Consul Ralph Vincent Abarquez proceeded with his closing remarks, he introduced the LARO
️ PLAY , a project of the Office of Cultural Diplomacy (DFA-OCD), in cooperation with the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI), which is an animated series promoting Philippine traditional games.
Representatives of local media outlets were present, namely George Gregorio of Philippine Times and Martin Tuano of the SBS Filipino. The event was also covered by Ms. Rosa Almencion, a well-known local “Mommy youtuber”.
Below are the links shared by the local media representatives:
- https://www.sbs.com.au/language/filipino/fil/article/mga-pagkaing-pilipino-bida-sa-childrens-day-event-sa-konsulado-ng-sa-melbourne/1dn1fcpch
- https://photos.app.goo.gl/LgUFmbJzZJcojsWW6
The Children Day’s Celebration at Post was initially based on the monthly observances and significant dates shared by NCCA. Children’s Day Proclamation No. 552, s.1959 states that it is necessary to set aside a day dedicated to children in the hope of arousing greater concern for their welfare. However, Republic Act 10661 of 2015 declared November as the National Children’s Month. In Australia, Children’s Day is celebrated every 22nd of October.
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