DAGUPAN CITY – Thousands of children simultaneously sang and played guitar and performed musical renditions along with the Philippine Pops Orchestra and University of Sto. Tomas Conservatory of Music in a grand concert held at CSI Stadia during the culmination program of the 2nd Children Summit on March 1.
Mayor Belen T. Fernandez led the closing program along with Schools Division Superintendent Froserfina J. Bravo, Rodolfo “Pong” Mendoza, the city’s music consultant who helped organized the summit.
The mayor expressed her gratitude to the men and women of the UST Conservatory of Music and the Philippine Pops Orchestra in performing before the people of Dagupan.
“Nothing elates me more than to feel that for two days, we stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the finest artists of the country and that we share in the wonderful belief that it would be a great tragedy if we lived in a world where music was not taught to children,” said Fernandez.
Fernandez added that through the Music Summit, the city was able to express its love and affection to the children.
“This is the heart of our agenda for the children of Dagupan, with the end in view that we must prepare what our children want to be,” she said.
Fernandez believes that even the slightest positive influence has the potential to change a child’s life.
“It is our great fortune that we share this conviction and commitment with our dear friends from the UST Conservatory of Music and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra,” said Fernandez.
Fernandez admits though those two days may not be enough for the children to learn everything “but the fact that we started this together is all the more important. The fact that children can make beautiful music is less significant than the fact that music can make beautiful children — and I believe this is very important,” she said.
The mayor has no regrets that she has the entire stage to listen to a celebration of music through the symphony of the best talents in the country.
“To our dear friends from the UST Conservatory of Music and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra — we share with you the warmth, the affection and the gratitude of the children of Dagupan. Our hearts are singing with joy as we all say: Baleg a salamat,” said Fernandez. (joseph C. Bacani/CIO/March 2, 2017)