ALABEL, Sarangani -- The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Alabel in partnership with the Sarangani Writers League (SWL) conducted the first “PAHINGA AT PAGHINGA: Creative Writing Workshop” on October 28-30, 2022, at the Kasfala Hall, Provincial Capitol Compound, Alabel, Sarangani Province.

Eighteen youth from the town of Alabel participated in this three-day writing workshop, where they learned about the art of creative writing, its importance in improving their mental health and as an instrument of advocacy. Furthermore, this writing workshop was organized in line with the Mental Health Awareness Month, which is held every October.

“I decided to pitch this workshop to SK Chairperson Generose Navarro for the very purpose of helping the Kabataang Alabelian unlock their creative writing prowess and turn it into one of their most powerful swords in battling mental health related issues,” one of the workshop directors Diane Pamularco said

“I would like to express my gratitude to the entirety of the Sarangani Writers League for supporting this cause, without them, the event wouldn't be successful,” she added. 

Resource speakers for the event included Rossel Audencial, a professor of language and literature at MSU-GenSan; Michael Jude Tumamac, a writer and reading advocate from Southern Mindanao and the chairman of the publishing company Aklat Alamid; Hannah Adtoon Leceña, a spoken word performer and poet, and author of "Jonas: Nobela sa Wikang Sebwano"; and Carlou Barroca Espedillon, author of "Takoyaki Boys and Other Stories."

"On behalf of Sarangani Writers League, we thank the SK and the Katipunan ng Kabataan of Alabel for partnering with us for this cause. For years, the mental health of our youth is set as the least priority. But this workshop is considered a stepping stone to many more projects and programs that will seek to address the mental health issues and conditions of the Sarangan youth.

“Writing and reading are just two of many coping mechanisms that may help us deal with our emotions. Of course, we still recommend seeking professional help,” SWL Chairperson Xaña Angel Eve Apolinar said.

Select outputs from the workshop will be compiled into a zine and will be featured in the upcoming SOX Zine Fest that will be held at the Veranza Mall atrium on November 30, 2022.

This event will be organized by the Valoræx Readers Club of MSU-GenSan in celebration of National Reading Month. (Genory Vanz Alfasain/Voice of the Youth Network)