CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Students from Nueva Ecija and Bulacan topped the regional contests in line with the observance of the 2019 National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM).
Kyle Abby R. Censon from San Jose Elementary School in Nueva Ecija bested 15 other elementary students in the Regional Poster Making Contest, taking home a plaque, medal and PhP10,000 cash prize.
Ma. Charlanda Kaela H. Fullo from Patubig Elementary School in Bulacan placed second and got PhP8,000 while Paul Lawrence G. Ruelas from San Isidro Elementary School in Pampanga ended third with PhP6,000.
Meanwhile, Charles Matthew Santos from Dr. Felipe De Jesus National High School in Bulacan defeated 11 other secondary students to claim the top prize in the Essay Writing Contest, taking home a plaque, medal and PhP10,000 cash prize.
Adimeera Jovine S. Padolina from General Tinio National High School in Nueva Ecija finished second and got PhP8,000 while Jed Andrei Taroma from Columban College Asinan in Olongapo City landed third with PhP6,000.
“We annually hold the Poster Making contest for elementary students and Essay Writing contest for secondary students to heighten their awareness on disaster preparedness and at the same time to embody to them how to become resilient through their artwork and essay pieces,” Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairperson Marlou L. Salazar said.
“Involving the youth in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management is one way to further strengthen the communities since they comprise the highest number of population,” Salazar added.
This year’s NDRM observance carries the theme “Kahandaan sa Sakuna’t Peligro para sa Tunay na Pagbabago.”
Entries in the Poster Making contest were evaluated based on Overall Presentation- 50 percent, Relevance to the Theme- 40 percent and Originality- 10 percent. Winners were selected by a panel from Department of Education (DepEd), OCD, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Criteria in the Essay Writing contest, on the other hand, include Substance and Content- 40%, Relevance to the Theme- 30%, Originality- 15%, and Mastery of the English Language- 15%. Victors were picked by representatives from DepEd, OCD, PIA, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and National Economic and Development Authority.