The Department of Agriculture (DA) – CAR conducted its regional celebration of World Food Day on September 28, 2017 at the Hotel Supreme, Baguio City. An on-the-spot poster making contest and a mural painting contest were facilitated by the DA-CAR for elementary and high school students, respectively. The activity was in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
This year’s theme is “Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development.”
Dr. Lorenzo Caranguian, DA-CAR’s Regional Executive Director, welcomed the students. His message revolved around the relation of agriculture with the theme. Director Caranguian debunked the idea that opportunities are only found in the urban areas by citing agriculture as an open window where one can grow. One reason for migration is the lack of food security and development. “As the future leaders, I challenge you to invest in the rural sector and prove that there are opportunities in the rural areas,” said Director Caranguian.
Soraya Faculo, Ph.D., officer-in-charge of the Office of the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, was invited as the guest of honor of the activity. She re-echoed and affirmed Director Caranguian’s message. In addition, she encouraged the youth to look into agriculture as a means of living. With the current perception of the young that there is no success in agriculture as compared to the usual courses, levelling up of awareness on contributing to food security was raised.
“Each one has to take part in this cause. Today we start if we have not yet started to make a change. What you will do today will make an impact. Let your pen and colors be your instrument for change,” Faculo enthused the students.
Two activities were prepared, the on-the spot poster making contest for the elementary division and the mural painting contest for high school. Three artists from Baguio City were invited to judge the artworks– Mhargrette deal Cruz-Gomez and Mark Tandoyog from the Tam-Awan Village, and Julian Almirol from the University of the Philippines Baguio.
Winners for the poster making are Sharmaine Lea B. Felipe from Namatec Elementary School, Mountain Province for 1st place taking Php 6,000; Ile C. Bolos from Tayom Central School, Abra for 2nd place taking Php 4,000; and John Mark G. Balisacan from Rizal Central School, Kalinga for 3rd place taking Php 2,000. While Carol Jane M. Baking of Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School; Eyss B. Carrera of Pinget Elementary School; Chelsy Lachica and Heart Morales, from Aguinaldo Elementary School, Baguio City were given consolation prizes of Php1,000 each.
Then for the mural painting, Juzhina Psalm Quinopez and Reynette Amber Ventura of Baguio City National High School won 1st place and received Php5,000; Janella Pidazo & Desiree Mendoza of Tuba Central National High School, Benguet wastthe 2nd placer and got Php3,000, and Rafael L. Ku and Erica G. Maduro of Baguio City National High School were at 3rd place and received Php2,000.00.
Five teams were also given consolation prizes of Php 1,000 each: Lander Gayana & Reynor Arcita, Sto. Tomas National High School, Benguet; Erika Fiona V. Barte & Yda Marie D. Zapico, Baguio City National High School; Jay-an Abubo & Jardin Daplian, Sinipsip National High School – Main; Mhiamar Abellada & Jemmlee Malado, Pines City Colleges; and Kaiserlyn Holly G. Alos & Ashly Estabillo – Pines City National High School.
The artwork of the first place winner in the poster making contest will be sent to Manila for the national competition.**Ayra Galanza
