“Masaya palang gumawa ng mga kanta, lalo na kung sama-sama,” (It is fun composing songs, especially when you work on it collectively) said one of the participants in a music workshop conducted by Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns in partnership with Health Care Without Harm and Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) last December 6, 2020. The workshop was joined in by around 20 members of Salinlahi Youth in Barangay Fortune, Marikina city.

Not only did the activity help children hone their skills, it also stimulated their collective interest in music – and not just an ordinary or popular music but one that is relevant and valuable in the efforts to raise public consciousness on social issues.

At first, children were separated into groups wherein each member of the group was asked to write down a word that runs through her/his mind in a time of calamity. The facilitators were visibly impressed upon knowing the words chosen by children include pag-asa (hope), sama-sama (together), pagkakaisa (unity), pagtutulungan (teamwork), pagbangon (rise), among others.

These words were then arranged by children into stanzas making it easier for children to compose a song. After some exercises, children were able to write a song entitled “Sa bawat unos” (In every storm) that embodies children’s shared experiences during the recent typhoons that hit the country as well as their aspirations to rise above the challenges it has brought upon them. They particularly dedicate the song to the children and families who were severely affected by Typhoon Rolly, Quinta and Ulysses.

According to children participants, they enjoyed composing a song especially when doing it with their friends. It was also noticed by facilitators who commended them for the teamwork they have shown during the activity. They even observed that the children participants become more participative compared to the other workshops they’ve previously conducted.