UNITED NATIONS, New York — The Loboc Children’s Choir from Bohol, Philippines, captivated the Diplomatic Corps at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City with a soul-stirring performance.
The event, titled “Singing Songs of Peace, Prosperity, and Justice,” was organized by the Philippine Mission to the United Nations, the United Nations Staff and Recreation Council, and the Philippine Cultural Society. This initiative supports the peace and security goals outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2015.
Highlighting the Role of Children in Peacebuilding
In her inspiring speech at the Sputnik Lounge, Ambassador and Deputy Representative Leila Lora-Santos emphasized the crucial role children play in fostering peace. She highlighted the UN’s commitment to placing children at the center of peace-building initiatives through agencies like UNICEF.
“The Philippines recognizes that children are zones of peace. They cannot be recruited into government forces or participate in armed conflicts,” she said.
Ambassador Lora-Santos also expressed the Philippines’ dedication to working with other nations to protect children and support efforts to promote peace.
“This concert is our modest contribution to commemorate and give thanks for the tireless efforts of all stakeholders at the United Nations in advancing peace, prosperity, and justice in these challenging times. It is also a tribute to all Filipinos within and outside the U.N. who contribute to the vision of a better world.”
A Performance Rooted in Passion and Heritage
Lutgardo Labad, the choir’s tour manager, shared his joy at showcasing the talent of Filipino youth to a global audience. He described the performance as a historic milestone, as it marked the first time a Filipino children’s choir performed for the UN Diplomatic Corps.
“We are thrilled to be here, sharing an hour of meaningful music that aligns with the UN’s vision of peace and sustainable development,” Labad said.
He praised the dedication of the young performers, who come from modest backgrounds, for their commitment to education and the arts.
A Mission to Preserve Musical Heritage
The Loboc Children’s Choir is not just spreading joy through music but is also on a mission. The choir is touring the U.S. and Canada to raise funds for the restoration of the 200-year-old Loboc pipe organ, a historic artifact damaged by a recent typhoon.
“Loboc, in Bohol, is the heart of our musical heritage,” Labad explained. “Natural disasters have taken a toll on the region and its treasures, like the pipe organ dating back to the mid-19th century. Our goal is to restore this legacy to its former glory.”
A Tribute to Resilience and Hope
The Loboc Children’s Choir’s performance at the UN was not just a showcase of talent but a symbol of hope and resilience. Through their music, they reminded everyone of the power of youth to inspire change and the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
Their songs resonated deeply, leaving the diplomats and attendees with a renewed appreciation for the arts as a tool for peace and unity.
