The Philippine Embassy in Muscat is set to launch a book on art, essays and poems by young children of OFWs in the Middle East. The book,Art as Reality: The Transition of Filipino Migrant Children in the Middle East features the works of elementary and high school students from 21 Philippine schools in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.

President Aquino extolled the publication as a “celebration of Filipino talent.” In his message, the President further encouraged “young artists and writers to articulate their talents and enrich their individuality and continue to deepen their affinity with our country.”

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosarioalso cited the book for providing “valuable insights which contribute greatly in the discourse on migration and its effects on families, especially children.” As Vice President Jejomar C. Binay affirmed, “it gives a better picture of the impact of transition in the lives of Filipino migrant children.”

The book project began in July 2012 with an art and literary competition held by the Philippine Embassy in Muscat for OFW children in the Gulf region. The children were asked to describe their experience of transition and adjustment in a new country through painting, drawing, digital and other art forms, essay and poetry.The competition attracted over 550 students. The judges in the art category were Alma Quinto, Adonis Durado and Salvador Convocar; and Isagani R. Cruz, Merlie M. Alunan and Marjorie Evasco in the literary category.

The book will be launched together with the children’s art exhibit during the diplomatic reception on June 12thin celebration of Philippine Independence Day at the Omani Society for Fine Arts.

The production team is composedof Ambassador JoselitoA. Jimeno (executive publisher), Oman-based visual artists and designers Adonis Durado (art director), Gregory Fernandez (design editor) and Ralph Josip R.Bagares (visual editor); AraceliC. Jimeno (editor-in-chief), Elaine Justine L. Aldaya (project coordinator), Maria Odessa C. Padua (executive assistant) and Joanna Cay S. Garcia (assistant coordinator).

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), AMA Education System, Metrobank Foundation, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Pag-IBIG Fund, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Philippine Social Security System (SSS) sponsored the project.