Move for Play: A Community United in Movement and Creativity for Every Child's Right to Play

On June 7, 2025, the community of Dulag, Leyte came together in a vibrant celebration of the UN International Day of Play through the Move for Play Community Run and Art Workshop, a day-long event that championed every child's right to equitable access to play, education, and creative expression. Organized by FundLife in partnership with the Barangay Local Government Unit of Brgy. Rawis and other key stakeholders, the event gathered over 116 participants from different barangays and municipalities in a powerful demonstration of unity and shared advocacy.

The day began with the Move for Play Community Run at 5:00 AM, starting from the Barangay Hall grounds of Rawis. Runners came from various barangays, including Combis, Tabu, San Vicente, Talisay, Cabacungan, Barbo, Alegre, San Isidro, and Candao. Local leaders such as Hon. Leysa M. Capongcol, Brgy. Chairperson of Rawis, and Hon. Jeric M. Tumandao, SK Chairperson of Rawis and SK Federation President of Dulag, joined the event, underscoring the commitment of barangay officials to child-centered advocacy. The community run was further supported by the Philippine National Police – Dulag, the Dulag Traffic Enforcement and Management Office, the Dulag Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, the Dulag Fire Protection North Leyte, and the Tacloban Runners Club, whose members served as pacers throughout the race.

The run concluded with the awarding of the top three male and female finishers, who each received certificates of recognition and merchandise from FundLife’s partners. A raffle draw added excitement, where additional prizes were handed out to lucky participants. More importantly, sports equipment and board games were distributed to participating barangay LGUs, ensuring that children and youth in their communities would have access to fun, engaging activities in their own barangay halls. This act of sharing resources aligned perfectly with the goal of the Move for Play campaign — to raise awareness and mobilize collective action to bridge the gap in access to quality education and sports opportunities for underserved children in the Philippines.  

Following the run, the celebration of play continued with the Move for Play Art Workshop, held at the same venue from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN. The workshop welcomed children aged 5 to 13 and youth aged 15 to 18, including FundLife’s young learners and other community members. Local artist Ms. Shara Valiente facilitated the session, guiding the participants through basic art techniques while encouraging creative self-expression. For many of the children, it was their first experience with painting and drawing in a structured yet playful setting. The joy and enthusiasm on their faces spoke volumes about the transformative power of art in helping children explore their identities and emotions. Their artworks will be featured in FundLife’s Advocacy Walk on June 11, also to be held in Rawis, allowing the children’s voices and dreams to be publicly celebrated through their own creative output.

Move for Play is more than just an event — it is a growing movement built on the belief that play is a fundamental right of every child. As emphasized by the UN International Day of Play, play is essential not only for a child’s development and well-being but also for their right to joy, agency, and discovery. By combining physical activity with artistic expression, FundLife’s initiative demonstrated how community-led programs can inspire action, build confidence among children and youth, and strengthen bonds across generations. The success of the Move for Play event in Dulag is a testament to the power of collaborative, grassroots advocacy. It highlighted what is possible when communities stand together — not only to protect and educate their children, but to uplift them through the simple, powerful act of play.

FundLife extends its heartfelt thanks to all barangay officials, partner organizations, volunteers, and participants who contributed to the event’s success. Together, they have taken a meaningful step forward — running, drawing, and dreaming — to build a future where every child can move, play, and thrive.