Four of the Philippines’ leading illustrators of children’s books are in Cambodia to conduct a five-day workshop for Cambodian illustrators. The workshop was organized by Room to Read, an international NGO dedicated to promoting literacy and gender equality in education and supported by the Philippine Embassy in Cambodia as part of its cultural diplomacy program. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines extended funding support for the activity.
During the Opening Ceremony of the “Creative Illustration for Early Grade Children’s Books” Workshop on 17 October 2016 held at the new Chancery of the Philippine Embassy, Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Christopher B. Montero welcomed the workshop participants and expressed the confidence that they will benefit from the creativity and imagination of the Filipino illustrators. He informed the audience of the significant contribution of the creative industry, which includes illustration and animation, to the economy of the Philippines. “We, Filipinos, are highly relational as a people. We love to connect with, and care for, others. The nurturing spirit of the Philippines has prompted thousands of Filipinos to be involved in the education and human resource development of Cambodians -- from the hundreds of NGO workers in community development to the hundreds of Filipino teachers in primary schools, universities, medical schools, and professional training centers.” He added, “We see this humble contribution as an investment in the young people of Cambodia and its future as a country.”
In her remarks, Her Excellency Soeur Socheata, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport acknowledged, with deep appreciation, the long history of the Philippines’ contribution to education and human resource development of Cambodia. She also stressed the importance of education in poverty alleviation and building a successful and harmonious society.
Room to Read’s Country Director Kall Khan thanked the Philippines for its support for Room to Read’s literacy program, which aims bring more quality and age-appropriate reading materials to primary school students across Cambodia.
Prior to the workshop for Cambodian illustrators, the Philippine illustrators spent time with about 40 Filipino children in Phnom Penh in an activity on 16 October dubbed as “Munting Mga Daliri.” Sentro Rizal of Phnom Penh organized a talk show cum workshop for Pinoy kids aged 5 to 16 years old. The children interviewed the Filipino illustrators about their art works, after which they learned how to do a self-portrait using paper cut-outs. The parents of the participating children thanked the Philippine Embassy for holding the fun and educational activity.
The four award-winning Philippine illustrators facilitating the workshop were Ms. Eli Camacho, Ms. Liza Flores, Mr. Sergio Bumatay III, and Mr. Borg Sinaban. END
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