UN Week Kicks Off; Cultural Costumes, Flags, Dance Showcase Unity

Photo via St. Mary’s College of Baliuag, Inc.

Through cultural costumes, flag-making, and a dance presentation, St. Mary’s College of Baliuag, Inc. opened its United Nations (U.N.) week-long celebration at the school quadrangle this Monday, Oct. 19, bringing together kindergarten to Senior High School (S.H.S) students to display cultural diversity and to promote unity.

Spearheaded by Mr. Vic Dela Cruz and Mrs. Ma. Cristina Mendoza, the event commenced following the morning ceremony with a dance performance featuring the Salindayog Cultural Dance Troupe and students from kindergarten to Grade 3.

The Parade of Cultural Costumes followed, showcasing a diverse array of traditional attire representing various cultures, performed by kindergarten to grade 6 students.

Next, Junior High School (J.H.S.) and S.H.S. students displayed flags with two designated representatives from each country parading them throughout the school campus. This exhibition also served as one of the event’s official competitions.

Participating representatives wore sashes displaying their country’s name, while all flags were required to be constructed exclusively from recycled materials.

Concluding the parade, Mrs. Mendoza announced the week’s upcoming competitions.

For J.H.S. and S.H.S. students, the voluntary “Through Our Lens: Photography Contest” invites participants to submit a single original photograph aligned with the theme “United for Peace, Progress, and a Sustainable Future.”

Photographs may be taken with a smartphone or digital camera and polished with basic editing such as cropping, brightness, and contrast adjustments.

All pictures must obtain consent from any identifiable individuals and be submitted according to the specified guidelines. Images may be shared on the school’s social media channels and in other publications.

High School students will compete in “The World at a Glance: Infographic Contest,” the final competition of the season. Each section must develop an infographic that presents significant data about their selected nation. Submissions must measure 3 by 5 feet and will be exhibited in hallways outside classrooms.

Elementary school participants are invited to enter a poster design competition centered on the same theme, requiring their work to communicate themes of global unity, shared responsibility, and international cooperation.

All artwork must be completed within the designated timeframe using only materials approved by organizers. Finished posters will be featured prominently during the U.N. celebration event.