For one group of youngsters here, music is key to expressing their emotions and the challenges of living in a region torn by strife.

December 2007

A group of World Vision-sponsored children living in a conflict zone in the Philippines have formed a band to express their experiences in music, which has been released as a CD.

The children live in the province of Surigao del Norte, location of sporadic gun battles between the government and the rebel National Peoples Army.

The children's band is called Sarimbanog — a contraction of "Sayaw, Arte at Tunog" ("Dance, Act and Sing"), and their eight-track CD is entitled "Nangungulila: Ang mga Awit ng Kabataan," or "Yearning for Love: The Voice of Hope for Children."

Putting Emotions Into Rhythm

Karen Rivera, a World Vision communicator, says the group was formed to develop the children's God-given artistic talent and find a creative way for young people to highlight issues of child abuse and experiences fleeing armed conflict. The songs also express a longing to live in a happy and nurturing family.

Prior to putting out the CD, the youngsters toured villages in their community, putting on a play entitled "Dukilom" ("Darkness"), which explores the same themes.

Drummer and guitarist Robert John Serada, 13, says the show was the product of two months of intensive workshops, but the hard work paid off. He believes the band's message is getting through.

"The crowd liked our show and our music," he says. "We had some teary-eyed mothers in the audience."

Drawing Attention to a Tragic Situation

Rivera says World Vision had been trying to find a way to break the silence surrounding child abuse since establishing a development program in Surigao del Norte.

An initial community-based study conducted by World Vision found high levels of sexual and physical abuse suffered by children. This year, a provincial and local government study documented 17 cases of rape or attempted rape of children and nine cases of physical abuse.

Rivera adds many other cases go unreported because of the stigma associated with the issue.

'I Became More Aware'

Robert, like the rest of his band mates, had no formal education in music but discovered he had a natural talent.

Since joining Sarimbanog, he says he has traveled to new places, discovered new friends, and learned new priorities.

"I became more aware of the issues that impact children like me," he says. "Before, I was indifferent about these things. I saw symptoms of abused and neglected children, but I didn't care."

Robert says band members are now nurturing a new dream — that someday they will perform for even bigger crowds and take their music beyond their home villages.