Nazel Kalaque, a Kalahi-CIDSS community volunteer from Brgy. Talisay, Mayorga, Leyte conquered the 2nd Kamurayaw Songwriting Competition as he was awarded Grand Champion for his original song composition entitled KAPAWA (Light).

“Before, no one listened to my songs. I am thankful that DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS gave me the opportunity to share my talent”, Kalaque narrated as he receive his plaque and a cash prize worth Php 15, 000.

Kalaque, who is also a road maintenance laborer, defeated six other contenders coming from various provinces across the region.

The song KAMURAYAWAN which garnered the second place was also co-written by Kalaque together with Agosto Marcos and interpreted by by the Mairinite band from La Paz, Leyte;

KAAGAPAY SA TAGUMPAY, which was delivered by Pintuyan Youth Group and composed by Junn Palomo, Nonieto Apas and Christian Alabat from Pintuyan, Southern Leyte, took the third place; Calljack Band’s POOR-MYULA which was written by Junrie Escabal from Maasin City grabbed the fourth spot; Lutina Santos from Kawayan, Biliran who also sang her own composition KALAHI was declared the fifth place; and PAGLAOM HA KASINGKASING by Andy de Paz from Lawaan, Eastern Samar and MAGSAMA-SAMA composed by Rolly Tagan from  Libagon, Southern Leyte got the 6th and 7th place.

Said competition which was conducted on April 20, 2017 at the Calbayog Cultural Convention Center, Calbayog City, Samar, was sponsored by DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS as part of its advocacy and promotion of Community-Driven Development as an empowerment strategy to its stakeholders.
The activity was also organized by the agency to introduce the gains and milestones of DSWD to the youth sector through music and the arts.