In an innovative move to counteract the sedentary lifestyle trends among children, the Provincial Government of Batangas, in collaboration with the city of Tanauan and local kite enthusiasts, has launched the Batangas Kite Fest 2024. This initiative, led by Mayor Nelson ‘Sonny’ Collantes, aims to reintroduce the youth to the joys of outdoor activities, specifically through the traditional pastime of kite flying.
Reviving Outdoor Play
“Batangas is one of the more popular destinations for weekend recreation. Through our Batangas Kite Fest 2024, we want to offer more options for outdoor activities that kids of all ages can participate in and enjoy,” remarked Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas. Highlighting the province’s commitment to youth development, Mandanas shared that Batangas allocates significant resources towards education, sports, and the overall well-being of its young citizens, boasting one of the highest budgets for academic and sports development in the country.
The Art of Kite Making and Flying
Eric Basit, President of Papagayong Batangueño, emphasized the festival’s goal to promote kite making and flying as a creative and physical pursuit. Kite making is recognized under the Traditional Cultural Expressions Domain by the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act. “Changes in how we live today mean that our children are not able to play outdoors the way past generations did,” Basit said, highlighting the shift towards a more digital lifestyle among today’s youth. The Batangas Kite Fest provides a platform for encouraging outdoor play and social interaction, away from the screens.
A Festival for Community and Creativity
Now in its second year, the Batangas Kite Fest is organized by the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office of Batangas and Papagayong Batangueño, with support from the Provincial Government of Batangas and private sector partners. The festival kicked off in Calaca City on March 3, with subsequent events scheduled in San Juan, Tanauan, and Montemaria throughout the month. This year’s festival not only aims to foster a sense of community among participants but also to ignite a passion for the creative and physical aspects of kite flying among the youth.
The Batangas Kite Fest 2024 represents a significant step towards engaging children in outdoor activities, offering them an alternative to the digital world. By promoting the traditional craft of kite making and the joy of kite flying, the festival aims to inspire a new generation to explore the outdoors, fostering healthier lifestyles and stronger community bonds in the process.
