The children in Barangay Sindalan in San Fernando City, Pampanga now have a safe and comfortable space where they can play and develop social, physical, and communication skills with the recent turnover of the Everyday Play community playground.
The Everyday Play project is one of the long-running campaigns of PhilSeven Foundation, Inc., the corporate social responsibility arm of Philippine Seven Corp. It aims to build suitable playgrounds in various communities in the country where accessible recreational spaces and facilities are lacking.
It reinforces the value of play in the foundational years of children. Learning through play in the early years, according to various studies, is the best way to prepare children for positive and progressive adult life. Additionally, using play as a context for learning is also found to enhance children’s academic and developmental learning outcomes.
“Active play for kids is their way of expressing their feelings, interests, and exploring both familiar and new environments,” said PSC chief executive officer Jose Victor Paterno.
He continued, “Through the 7-Eleven Everyday Play project, we are able to provide Filipino children a fun and engaging learning area to nurture mind-body growth, a quality space for amazing discoveries and happy childhood experiences.”
Mayor Edwin Santiago, City Administrator Engr. Fernando Limbitco, Paterno, PFI head Israelita S. Ferrer-Lequin, PSC and PFI top officials, company volunteers, and local community officers were present at the turnover ceremony of the newly constructed playground inside the barangay complex of Brgy. Sindalan.
Brgy. Sindalan has an estimated population of 15,685, making it the sixth most populated community among the 35 barangays in San Fernando.
The children of Brgy. Sindalan, as well as their parents and teachers, expressed gratitude for their new community playground. The new facility boasts fun elements like attractive colors matched with exciting physical features like play equipment that stimulate curiosity and camaraderie.
Over the years, the project has successfully expanded to bring wide smiles to young kids in various communities. To date, there are already five 7-Eleven Everyday Play learning playgrounds in the country, which are located in Dasmariñas in Cavite, Pateros, Sta. Rosa in Laguna, Caloocan City, and San Fernando in Pampanga.