Forty elementary pupils in Maguindanao del Norte took part in a two-day sports activity that used traditional games to help them develop teamwork, discipline and social skills.
The pupils from Simuay Junction Central Elementary School joined the Bangsamoro Children’s Games, organized by the Bangsamoro Sports Commission as part of National Children’s Month celebrations across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The activities included sack races, egg relays and paper dances — familiar games that encouraged the children to work together, interact with their classmates and practice sportsmanship.
The commission said the activity aimed to provide safe, inclusive and child-friendly spaces where children could learn important life skills through play and recreational sports.
Nor-Mohammad-Ali Makil, chief of the commission’s Regulatory, Promotion and Coordination Division, said supportive spaces help children develop discipline, strengthen social skills and build unity through sports.
School Principal Johaira Abdullah welcomed the initiative, saying pupils need structured opportunities for meaningful play and physical development.
The activity carried this year’s National Children’s Month theme: “Manindigan, Tumugon at Kumalinga: Sa Batang Handa, Mas Ligtas ang Bansa.”
