Children in Pangasinan spent the day learning important life skills as they joined two separate activities that combined education, safety awareness, and creativity, one focused on fire prevention, the other on art.

In Mangaldan, Pangasinan, young children donned miniature firefighter uniforms as they were introduced to the basics of fire safety. Fire personnel taught them how to properly use a fire hose and explained what to do in case of a fire emergency. Organizers said the goal is to familiarize children with safety practices they can carry into adulthood.

“Namumulat sila sa nature of work ng isang firefighter at saka iba ‘yung happiness na naibibigay nito sa mga bata,” FO3 Christoper Verosil, lecturer from the Mangaldan Fire Station, said.

Parents welcomed the activity, saying it helped children understand how to respond during emergencies.

“Maganda ito for the kids kasi at least nalalaman po nila mga dapat nilang gawin,” May Aquino, a parent, said.

Meanwhile, in Dagupan City, Grade 1 pupils at West Central Elementary School I took part in a free art workshop where they painted images of fruits and vegetables on their aprons. Wearing chef’s hats, the children mixed bright colors instead of cooking ingredients, turning the activity into a fun learning experience.

School officials said the workshop was designed to support classroom learning, particularly for students under the school’s special science program.

“Free naman ito sa mga bata para sa artwork. Itong mga special science namin ang mga beneficiaries at kasama talaga ito sa mga performance task nila sa art,” Marilou Taminaya, assistant principal of the school, said.

The event organizers noted the students’ enthusiasm throughout the workshop.

“Bale excited po sila, at the same time, enjoy na enjoy po sila sa art kits nila,” Jayson Navida, one of the organizers, said.

Teachers also emphasized that the paintings were connected to academic lessons.

“And also ‘yung mga pinaint nila is sa science namin. Integrated also sa lesson namin. So aside sa nade-develop ‘yung painting nila, nade-develop din ‘yung visual nila,” Lizalyn Nabor, Grade 1 adviser, said.

Both activities aimed to nurture confidence, creativity, and practical knowledge among children, skills educators and parents say are essential as they grow.