BONTOC, Mountain Province- Children and teenagers ages 8-15 had their first experience of learning arts and crafts free of charge at the Municipal Library located at the 3rd Floor of the Municipal Capitol during the “MAKERSPACE POP-UP” conducted from April 28 to May 1, 2022.
The municipal government, through the Municipal Library in collaboration with the VIVITA Philippines, initiated the “MAKERSPACE POP-UP” aimed at nurturing children and youth imagination and creativity by providing them with learning platforms, experiences, and equipment.
VIVITA Philippines is part of the corporate entity of VIVITA, an organization first founded in Japan that specializes in empowering the children and the youth. Established in seven countries, VIVITA Philippines has established its VIVISTOP Baguio, a physical space where ages 8 years and above are able to explore their own curiosities, develop their creativities at their own pace, and bring their ideas to life. The sessions are free of charge.
According to Candice Alipio, Creative Director of VIVITA Philippines, the “MAKERSPACE POP-UP” in Bontoc, Mountain Province is the first pop-up outside of Baguio City, being chosen due to the available space conducive for learners and young artists.
It is to be noted that Bontoc is the only municipality in Mountain Province that has a public library and a plantilla position of a Librarian. The Bontoc Municipal Library has always been the most frequented place for students and the public to read and research. Also, four units of desktop computers are now being used by the public free of charge at the Bontoc Municipal Library for internet surfing, Microsoft Office applications, and others purposely for information and education.
Alipio added that they were elated by the positive response and high number of participants who registered and their enthusiasm for all the arts and craft materials.
Municipal Librarian Chamrein Casiwen mentioned that in compliance with health protocols, the first-come, first-served basis was implemented. Also, this is to give opportunity to all participants who registered to have a first-hand experience in learning, imagining, discovering, and creating, with the use of 3D printers, laser cutters, circuits machines, robotics, and other arts and craft materials.
In a separate interview, Mayor Franklin Odsey, who had a first-hand experience of making his button pin, mentioned that it was a worthwhile experience since it was his first time also to participate in such activity.
Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen who designed his T-shirt expressed happiness about the rare opportunity.
Both officials mentioned that they did not have those experiences in their childhood and are glad that various arts and crafts activities are being introduced to the children.
Both the officials lauded the Bontoc Municipal Library and the VIVISTOP Baguio for initiating the activity that would promote creativity among young artists.
Likewise, Odsey and Kabluyen encourage the children and the youth to visit the Bontoc Municipal Library and take part in activities such as the MAKERSPACE POP-UP.
The materials were provided by VIVISTOP Baguio along with the human resources to assist the learners in the use of arts and crafts materials and equipment.
For its counterpart, the municipal government shouldered the accommodation and meals of the staff from the VIVISTOP Baguio.
