‘YBokod Love Challenge’ strengthens child-parent relationship
By Susan C. Aro
A video love challenge through family love has somehow opened up communication and bridged the gap in the relationship of the participating youth with the parents and other members of the family in the municipality of Bokod in Benguet.
The “YBokod Love Challenge” was conceptualized to express love and affection between the children and the parents, guardians and siblings through hugging or embracing and drawing out message or learning from the experience.” This was in partnership with the General Parents and Teachers Association of Bokod School District and the Philippine National Police.
The video love challenge turned out to be a venue that initiated conversation among the youth and their parents and giving them the opportunity to express their feelings which they have kept to themselves.
It initially drew reluctance when the concept was presented among students in Daclan National High School in Bokod, according to Jobelle Anselmo-Batanes who proposed the idea to her students as part of the SEMEK Project.
The project SEMEK which stands for Supporting and Empowering the Mental and Emotional Knowledge of the Youth through Family Love , was started in Daclan National High School in 2018 . It involves the conduct of psychological first aid or counseling, and conduct of Family Day as bonding moments of the family members, among others. Its latest endeavour was the “YBokod Love Challenge,” a short video production of the youth and parents portraying love and affection.
Arah Mae B. Casio, a Grade 11 student of Daclan, who got a consolation prize for her video, narrated how she documented her entry.
“When I did the challenge actually hindi po madaling mag open up sa parents ‘yung gusto kong sabihin or gustong gawin with them. Nahirapan kong sabihin.” It took her several attempts to gain courage and confidence to talk to her parents, who were curious. She claimed that after expressing her feelings, it released the heavy baggage inside of her. She felt good and light. “Dahil yung gusto kung sabihin sa kanila ay nasabi ko po. At least am proud of myself because I did that challenge.”
The parents were glad on what she did and encouraged her to open up and express her feelings if hurt or if misunderstandings arise. As parents, they asked for her understanding because at times they do not know if they are doing the right thing.
For the “YBokod Love Challenge,” the winners were first- Rona Macnongan Biadno, Grade 12 student of Saint Louis Pacdal Inc. with P5,000.00 cash prize; second – Carlos P. Moreno Jr., first year college of Benguet State University (BSU), La Trinidad Campus with P3,000.00 cash prize. and third – Marisa L. Kidmano, first year college at BSU Bokod Campus with P2, 000.00 cash prize.
Aside from Casio, two other consolation prize winners were Xandee Lee C. Colegio, Grade 2 pupil of Sombrero, Ambuklao and Rina Kate Selmo, Grade 12 of Daklan National High School,
The love challenge was launched this year in place of the Family Day, with the hope of helping keep the mental and emotional wellness of the youth especially this COVID-19 pandemic. (SCA-PIA-CAR, Benguet)
