Angeles City Mayor Carmelo ‘Pogi’ Lazatin Jr. on October 21, 2021 met with artist and dance choreographer Peter de Vera to discuss the proposed music-and-dance training for children in conflict with the law (CICL) housed at Bahay Pagasa in Barangay Sta. Teresita.
They were joined by Chief Adviser and Tactician IC Calaguas, Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, Angeles City Tourism Officer-in-Charge Anneleen Sugui and staff of City Social Welfare and Development Office.
“Alam natin ang kahalagahan ng kaayusan ng kinalalagyan ng mga kabataang nalihis ng landas. Hindi pa huli ang lahat para sa mga kabataang ito na nasa murang edad pa lamang,” Lazatin said.
Also part of Mayor Lazatin’s plan is to tap the help of the Department of Education for the alternative learning system (ALS) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the training and courses of housed CICLs.
The city government, according to Mayor Lazatin, shares a common goal with De Vera which is to transform the youth through the arts.
De Vera turned his house, dubbed Bale-Balayan, into a museum and music-and-dance training center catering to less-fortunate members of the society.
He added that they can also train the CICLs on how to play local and Asian-inspired musical instruments, such as kulintang, dabakan, gabang, agong, gangsa, bambolina, sarunai and movimba.
Bale-Balayan, a museum for the poor and haven for the youth, is located in Barangay Santa Teresita.
