GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) -- The City Mayor's Office-Youth Affairs and Development Office and Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (CMO-PDAO) of General Santos organized a two-day voice acting workshop for young persons with disabilities (PWDs) on May 29-30.
The workshop, dubbed “Voiceworx,” took place at Veranza Mall in General Santos City as part of the Music & Arts events of the Gensan Summer Youth Festival (GSYF) 2023. It was also in collaboration with the Certified Voice Artist Program (CVAP) and Voice of the Youth Network (VOTY).
Leo Martin Cellan, the activity in-charge from PDAO Gensan, described the workshop as an excellent opportunity for PWDs to realize the potential of their voices. He emphasized that they can go beyond being voiceovers for TV and radio commercials, anime characters, and dubbed films.
He believes that PWDs can also become voices of inspiration for their fellow PWDs and young residents of General Santos City.
John Anthony Cabuga, one of the workshop trainers, explained that VOTY aims to teach and promote voice acting as an art form while encouraging aspiring individuals to use their voices to drive positive social change.
Cabuga, a certified voice artist from the SOCCSKSARGEN region who graduated from CVAP, expressed his commitment to mentoring the next generation of voice artists, including PWDs.
Navi Garcia, another Voiceworx trainer and a PWD himself, shared his story of perseverance despite facing psychosocial challenges. He emphasized that with consistent practice and determination, young people and PWDs can become certified voice artists, just like him, and achieve great things. He also believes that anyone can utilize their voice to empower others.
The workshop concluded with a mini-recital, where the organizers commended the participants for their efforts. Garcia mentioned that the participants have the potential to be endorsed as full scholars for the 4-week CVAP virtual training, leading to their certification as voice artists along with other Filipino aspirants.
He also highlighted that their "Voiceworx by CVAP" (VBC) voice acting caravan will continue to offer one-day workshop to schools, universities, barangays, and private companies/organizations in General Santos City, even after the GSYF.
Overall, participants said that the workshop provided an empowering experience for young PWDs, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in voice acting.
GSYF also promotes inclusive initiatives by the local governments and various organizations for widespread artistic expression as it gears toward creating massive opportunities for PWDs in General Santos City. (Harlem Jude Ferolino, PIA-SarGen)