Marikina children undergo art therapy through parol-making to process Typhoon Ulysses aftermath

Children in Barangay Malanday, Marikina City underwent art therapy through parol-making weeks after the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses.

According to Dano Tingcungco's report on "24 Oras," the lanterns were used not only to brighten rooms but also to help the kids process the trauma they experienced due to the flooding.

During the "Parol ng mga Pangarap" activity, the children were encouraged to write their dreams and their fears on the parol to let the kids know that it is normal to be afraid amid the crisis.

"Itong parol-making na ito, itong 'Parol ng mga Pangarap,' part siya ng cognitive mastery, isang proseso ng therapy framework ng Child Rehabilitation Center (CRC)," said Vinzar Samiana, a CRC social worker.

"Objective natin 'yung mabigyan nung future outlook 'yung mga bata. Ano ba 'yung perspective nila sa susunod na mga araw?" he added.

Aside from undergoing art therapy, the parents and family also play an important role, said the CRC.

"Mahalaga ang papel ng parents, ng pamilya doon sa pag pro-proseso. Kung hindi man kayang kausapin direkta 'yung bata, pwedeng lumapit sa professionals na kayang bigyang  serbisyo yung mga bata," Samiana said.

Marikina was among the most devastated areas hit by Typhoon Ulysses in November. —Kaela Malig/MGP, GMA News