Decoding giftedness: journey to excellence

MANILA, Philippines – “I believe there are a lot of people who can be considered gifted. Not just one in a million,” says professor Françoys Gagné, Ph.D, Honorary professor of Psychology at the Université du Québec à Montréal, as he gave a brief but very informative talk on nurturing the gift to the way of excellence.

Together with psychology professor Tonette Rosel of the University of the Philippines – Diliman, both experts shared with the audience how important it is to recognize one’s giftedness and take steps to nurture it.

The talk was held last Thursday, October 23, at the Marriott Hotel.

Reports by the Department of Education in 2010 stated that there are 1.27 million gifted Filipino children. However, they are sadly overlooked due to lack of proper guidance and support. But if these children are recognized and given the assistance to nurture the gift, it will benefit the greater good, says Marketing Director of Premium Wyeth Philippines Miko Acuña who gave an introduction of the event.

Dian Yu, Product Manager of Promil Pre-school Gold, says, “A gifted child who is nurtured and becomes exceptional improves society through inventions, entertainment, technology, journalism, etc. They are the ones who make a difference everyday as they use their talents to create something new or improve society.”

#NurtureTheGift

Professor Gagné was then given the stage and briefly explained his theory of developing talent through The Differentiating Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT). He says that gifts can only become talents when properly nurtured thorugh a developmental process, which takes time and effort. He added that gifts have important genetic roots and parents must help build these natural abilities which begin at age 2 to 6 years old.

His theory also gives importance to the environment and external factors such as school and people interacting with the child hen it comes to nurturing the gift.

In a Q&A session, the two professors were joined by violinist and Promil Pre-school Gold kid Ira Aclan. Professor Gagné shared that his 35 years of research began at home. His very own daughter who was “bored in school” was accelerated. So he decided to devote time and research on the field of giftedness.

Professor Rosel, on the other hand, stressed the problem of Filipino parents not acknowledging their child’s giftedness or viewing it as a burden. “Some are not too quick to recognize [giftedness]. Many consult experts and parents may feel burdened because [they feel] there may be something wrong. It’s our role to change their perspective.”

Ira Aclan also shared the importance of a parent’s role in determining and supporting their child’s giftedness. She recalled that her mom strapped a walkie talkie on her belly and played classical music. Ira learned how to play the piano at age 3 and the violin at age 8. Despite the distance between her home in Lipa, Batangas and where she takes violin lessons, her parents would drive her to every single session. She studies the violin in St. Scholastica’s College – Manila.

The Filipino Youth Orchestra, 7-year old singer Telesa de Torres, violinist Ira Aclan and 6-year old pianist Sage Araneta also showcased their exceptional Filipino talent during the program which was also hosted by Issa Litton. – Rappler.com

About Wyeth Nutrition 

Wyeth Nutrition, formerly Pfizer Nutrition, is part of Nestlé S.A.  Wyeth Nutrition develops premium-quality nutritional products scientifically designed to meet the needs of infants and young children, pregnant and lactating mothers, and adults. As pioneers in infant nutritional science, our mission is to provide the best nutritional support for future healthy outcomes. For nearly a century, Wyeth Nutrition has leveraged scientific research, world-class manufacturing and product safety standards to drive scientifically sound solutions that offer parents confidence, help nourish children and support their health. It employs the same level of excellence in delivering nutrient-rich products to adults.