By Glen S. Ramos
THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region launched the “SayAwit Kontra Bisyo” (Barangay Talent Showcase Contest)” on June 22, 2023 at the Santiago Municipal Hall in celebration of the ‘No Smoking Month’ at the municipality of Santiago, Ilocos Sur.
A total of 15 participants from 15 barangays, aged 7 to 65 years old, showcased their various talents from singing to dancing, including Zumba and various interpretative dances.
Among the winners were Talugading Santiago National High School Performing Arts who was declared as the champion while Dan-ar Folk Dancers, D’ Original Boyz Edition and Brgy. Gabao Dancers were declared as the first, second, and third runner-up, respectively.
The regional office awarded a total of Php ₱54,000 worth of cash prizes was given to all the winners.
The “SayAwit Konra Bisyo” provided opportunities for participants to showcase their creativity, style, talents, and skills through singing and dancing and other worthwhile and productive activities that promote healthier lifestyles, and increase awareness of the consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use.
Regional Local Health Support Division Chief Jimuel S. Cardenas, who led the awarding ceremony, said that the arts, cultural sector and creative industries have a positive impact on people’s mental, physical and social health. “We have to have at least 2 hours per week to engage in any form of arts for good mental wellbeing.”
“At mayroon itong positive impacts sa healthy eating, physical activity, mental wellbeing at social health, as well as on preventing tobacco use and harm from alcohol. And with the support of our LGUs we can promote better health through the arts by increasing the variety of people engaging in arts activities,” he emphasized.
The contest is part of the DOH major programs under the Health Promotion Framework Strategy to promote the seven priority areas which include physical activity, environmental health, immunization, substance abuse, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, violence, and injury prevention against women and children.
“Health promotion, to be effective, involves the creative cultivation of physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. At ang importante dito ay ang engagement ng mga tao to express their own goals and values and the cultivation of their well-being,” Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated.
“And we have been delivering health programs at the grassroots to empower the community
and strengthen their ability to maintain and improve health for themselves. And this is not only directed for healthy people but including health risk groups.”
“I encourage everyone to improve their health status and enhance their quality of life by not engaging in smoking as it reduces the risk of premature death and can add as much as 10 years to your life expectancy. Mas healthy tayo, mas ligtas tayo sa sakit!,” she concluded.
The champions, members of the Talugading Santiago National High School Performing Arts were declared as the over-all winner of the “SayAwit Kontra Bisyo” (Barangay Talent Showcase Contest)” in celebration of the ‘No Smoking Month’ held at the Rodrigo P. Miranda on June 22, 2023 poses for posterity together with DOH-Ilocos Region Local Health Support Division Chief Jimuel S. Cardenas, Mayor Michael S.Miranda, Provincial Health Offficer Trina Talaga, PDOHO representative May Bernardin Belardo and Municipal Health Officer Vida Berto.
