A Grade 7 student of the Catanduanes National High School’s Science, Technology and Engineering (STE) program will represent the Philippines in the 54th Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Competition for Young People to be held later this year.
Mikaela Ashika Vargas topped the national competition sponsored by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), besting other letters submitted nationwide through PHLPost focusing on the theme: “Imagine you are the ocean. Write a letter to someone explaining why and how they should take good care of you”.
This year’s theme aims to encourage young people to creatively articulate their thoughts on the significance of ocean conservation. It reflects current global issues and proposes sustainable solutions aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development principles.
Aside from Vargas, other winners include Aime Renny B. Suon, of Agusan National High School, Butuan City– second prize; and Jayden Lyle Darcy V. Tonosgan of Antique Vocational School, Bugasong, Antique – third prize.
The first prize winner will be awarded P25,000 cash, the second prize P20,000, and third prize P15,000 plus corresponding medals and certificates for the winners..
Part of Vargas’ letter read: “I’m the ocean near the Philippines, but really, I’m just a small part of something much bigger. I’m connected to all the other oceans and seas around the world. Water moves, creatures travel, and the winds above me carry my warmth and storms across the planet. What happens to me does not stay with me — it reaches you too!”
The contest is designed to develop the young people’s skills in composition and the ability to express their thoughts clearly, to foster their enjoyment of letter-writing and to help strengthen the bonds of international friendship – one of the basic missions of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialized agency of the United Nations wherein PHLPost is an active member.
Letter Writing can enhance various aspects of a student’s learning, including language skills, communication, and social-emotional learning.
This year’s judges are Ms. Melanie Viloria-Briones, ED, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and concurrent Vice President for International Engagements and, Vice Presidents for Quality Assurance – City College of San Fernando Pampanga and Founder, School Press Advisers Movement Inc., Ms. Rachelle Bellesteros-Lintao, Ph.D., President of the Linguistic Society of the Philippines and Professor at the Faculty of Arts and Letters of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Mr. Archie Bergosa, Editor-in-Chief, Explained PH, University of the Philippines-Los Banos.
Vargas‘ winning entry will be sent to the UPU headquarters in Berne, Switzerland, according to PHLPost report before competing for the top prizes at the international level.
An international jury will evaluate the letters and select top three winners and up to five special mentions, with the top three receiving a medal bearing their name and a certificate for the honorable mentions.
“If conditions permit, the UPU will arrange for the three prize winners to attend a special awards ceremony in honor of their achievements in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with free transport and accommodation to be provided to the three winners and two accompanying adults per winner.
On the other hand, the runners-up and national winners will be celebrated at ceremonies organized by their home countries on World Post Day on October 9, the anniversary of the founding of the UPU.