In January 2026, the Confucius Institute at the University of the Philippines relaunched its Chinese languge program at the UP Integrated School (UPIS). Prior to the Laba Festival, Chinese teacher, Ms. Ding Feng introduced students to the festival’s culture and customs and guided them in a themed art workshop. Students expressed their understanding through drawing, handicrafts, and singing, creating works such as Laba porridge illustrations, family reunion scenes, realistic models, and crafts inspired by festival legends.

The activity enriched classroom teaching, enhanced student engagement, and demonstrated their creativity, reflecting the Confucius Institute’s approach of combining language learning with cultural experience.