BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 10 December 2020- In line with its cultural diplomacy program for the Filipino diaspora, the Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam recently held graduation ceremonies for thirty-four (34) Filipino children in the Kuala Belait-Seria district who completed the 2020 Filipino Language and Cultural Enrichment Program (FLCEP).

In his message to the graduates, Philippine Ambassador Christopher B. Montero stated that ceremony is a significant milestone as it marked the first time that the FLCEP, which is organized annually by the Embassy, was held for Filipino children residing outside the capital city Bandar Seri Begawan. He emphasized that bringing the FLCEP in Kuala Belait, a district two hours away from the capital, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is essential in order to provide Filipino children based in the district with a sense of “familiarity” during these challenging times, and enabling them to strengthen their sense of Filipino identity and pride for their Filipino heritage.

The program was held from 14 September 2020 to 16 October 2020 using a blended mode of learning. Online lessons focused on Philippine history and language, while face-to-face sessions were devoted to cultural enrichment activities such as Filipino traditional games and cultural immersion activities.

One of the highlights of the ceremonies was the presentation of cultural performances by the young participants under the guidance of volunteer teachers. A Rondalla Ensemble of Filipino students played the Philippine National Anthem and Philippine traditional songs such as “Leron-leron Sinta” and “Bahay Kubo.”

Other performances included a hand movement show to the song “Tagumpay Nating Lahat” by the Beginner level participants, an Interpretative Dance number to the song “Ang Bayan Ko“ performed by the Junior level participants and rendition of traditional dances “Kinikini” and “Maglalatik” by the Senior Level participants.

The awarding of the top three winners for the Padayon Arts competition of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) was also held during the ceremony:

1. Paligsahan sa Pag Dibuho para sa Kabataan – for Beginners Level
2. Paligsahan sa Pag Sulat ng Tula – for Junior Level
3. Paligsahan sa Pag Vlog ng Kultura ng Pilipinas – for Senior Level

Together with the forty-four (44) participants from Bandar Seri Begawan who finished the program in October, a total of seventy-eight (78) Filipino children completed the 2020 edition of the FLCEP amidst the ongoing pandemic.  

The successful implementation of the program was made possible through the valuable support of the Brunei Filipino Educators Club (BFEC), and the Embassy’s Office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). END