Mikaela Ashika Vargas, a student of Catanduanes National High School topped the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) sponsored 54th Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Competition for Young People, besting other letters sent 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”.
Vargas ‘ winning entry will represent the country in the worldwide competition to be held in Berne, Switzerland.
This year’s theme aimed to encourage young people to creatively articulate their thoughts on the significance of ocean conservation. It reflects on current global issues and proposes sustainable solutions aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development principles.
Aside from Mikaela Ashika 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 PhP25,000 cash, the second prize PhP20,000, and third prize PhP15,000 plus corresponding medals and certificates for the winners..
Part of her 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 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., 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 and Archie Bergosa, Editor-in-Chief, Explained PH, University of the Philippines-Los Banos.
