The city government of Makati announced on Saturday that it would start accepting applicants for its summer youth program dubbed as Sports, Music, Arts and Recreational Training beginning Feb. 13.
Mayor Abigail Binay said the SMART program, which was founded by her brother and former mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay in 2002, offers various events aimed to develop and enhance the youths’ skills in their choice of sports or other fields of interest.
The program will run from April 3 to May 25, 2017 and will be spearheaded by the Office of the Youth and Sports Development Department (YSDD).
Mayor Binay encouraged the parents or guardians of children ages six to 21 years old in Makati City to enroll them under the SMART program.
“If they enroll early, children and teenagers can choose from a wide range of events being offered under SMART and enjoy their school break while learning new skills or honing their talents,” she said.
Starting Feb. 13, the YSDD office will be open for the registration, screening and interview of SMART applicants from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. Aside from the free registration, program participants will also receive free T-shirts.
The program offers academic tutorial for grades 1 to 6; aikido for 12 to 21 years old; arnis for nine to 15 years old; athletics for ages seven to 15; badminton for ages eight to 15; basketball for nine to 15 years old; chess for seven to 15 years old; classical ballet for ages six to 13; cooking and baking for ages 10 to 16; dance lessons for 12 to 21 years old; and drama/acting workshop for seven to 12 years old.
Other events on offer are drawing and painting for ages six to 15; football/futsal for ages seven to 15; guitar lessons for nine to 18 years old; karate for 10 to 15 years old; muay thai for ages 12 to 21; personality development for ages 12 to 21; swimming for seven to 12 years old; table tennis for eight to 12 years old; taekwondo for ages seven to 15; voice lessons for ages seven to 15; and volleyball clinic for eight to 12 years old.
The program is open to all Makati City residents, who are required to present the following: a duly accomplished registration and waiver form, original and photocopy of Birth or Baptismal Certificate of the child; original and photocopy of Voter’s ID or Certificate of parent or legal guardian; and two pieces 1×1 latest picture of the child.
For children below 12 years old, participants should provide a copy of parent’s or guardian’s consent. If the child is not staying with parents, they should provide a duly notarized Certificate of Guardianship.