The Cordillera office of the Department of Agriculture (DA–CAR) conducted its regional celebration of World Food Day (WFD) on September 28, 2017 at the Hotel Supreme, Baguio City in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with an on-the-spot poster making contest and a mural painting contest for elementary and high school students, respectively with this year’s theme of “Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development.”
Dr. Lorenzo Caranguian, DA-CAR’s Regional Executive Director, welcomed the students and discussed the relation between agriculture and the theme, debunking the idea that opportunities are only found in the urban areas by citing agriculture as an open window where one can grow and that one reason for migration is the lack of food security and development, and exhorting his listeners that “As the future leaders, I challenge you to invest in the rural sector and prove that there are opportunities in the rural areas.”
After, Soraya Faculo, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent and guest of honor re-echoed and affirmed Director Caranguian’s message, adding that the youth should look into agriculture as a means of living.
An on-the spot poster making contest for the elementary division and a mural painting contest for high school were conducted with three artists from Baguio City judging the artworks.
Winners for the poster-making were Sharmaine Lea B. Felipe from Namate 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, both from Aguinaldo Elementary School, Baguio City were given consolation prizes worth Php 1,000 each.
Then for the mural painting, Juzhina Psalm Quinopez and Reynette Amber Ventura of Baguio City National High School won 1st place with Php 5,000; Janella Pidazo and Desiree Mendoza of Tuba Central National High School, Benguet got 2nd place with Php3,000, and Rafael L. Ku & Erica G. Maduro of Baguio City National High School for 3rd place.
Five teams were also given consolation prizes of Php 1,000 each: Lander Gayana and Reynor Arcita, Sto. Tomas National High School, Benguet; Erika Fiona V. Barte and Yda Marie D. Zapico, Baguio City National High School; Jay-an Abubo and Jardin Daplian, Sinipsip National High School–Main; Mhiamar Abellada and Jemmlee Malado, Pines City Colleges; and Kaiserlyn Holly G. Alos and 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.
By Ayra Galanza
