First Art Therapy Masterclass in Kalibo, a success

KALIBO, Aklan- Once again, the Boracay Island News Network (BINN) has successfully conducted another community engagement in Kalibo, this time, a historic Art Therapy Masterclass in Kalibo.

The activity conducted on November 10, 2023, was supported by Kalibo Mayor Juris Bautista-Sucro, Vice Mayor Cynthia Dela Cruz, the Municipal Tourism Office, Samson Mauro, the head of the Persons with Disabilities Designate, and the Kiwanis Club of Kalibo Ati-atihan.
Around 30 students and parents have registered for the whole-day free workshop. Half of the participants were members of the PWD.

Eric Egualada, an art educator from Angono, Rizal, the art capital of the Philippines, said he volunteered to conduct the art therapy after the Philippine National Police earlier reported about the alarming cases of suicide in Kalibo due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to Kalibo, Egualada has also conducted art therapy workshops in Boracay for young people and indigenous groups (the atis) through the Philippine Red Cross-Boracay and Shangri-La Resort and Spa.

Art therapy is a distinct discipline that incorporates creative methods of expression through visual art media.
To ensure the safety of the participants, Mauro has deployed three of his staff, especially to assist the welfare of the children who are PWDs.

Many of the parents have expressed their gratitude to the BINN and to Mayor Sucro for organizing the said workshop held at the third-floor old building of the Kalibo LGU.

Since 2021, the BINN has supported various community engagements, such as vlogging comedy competitions, advocates for breast feeding, and public forums, among others.