Environmental essay writing tilt winners announced

In line with the Earth Day 2002 celebration, the Ecological Society of the Philippines in cooperation with JRS Express held its second essay writing contest for elementary and high school students. With the theme "Protecting the Environment", the contest aims to teach awareness to the younger generations to love, care and protect natural environment that is now rapidly deteriorating.

Held from April 1-23, a total of 108 entries from elementary and high school students was received from all over the country.

Antonio M. Claparols, ESP president and regional councilor of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, headed the panel of judges who spent more 20 hours deliberating on selecting the winning entries.

The winners are:

Elementary level: 1st prize – Mary Louise Malaya, St. James Academy, Plaridel, Bulacan; 2nd prize – Ma. Lourdes Jane S. Mendoza, Efigenio-Enrica Lizares Memorial School, Talisay, Negros Occidental; 3rd prize – Loraine G. Alacapa, St. Benedict Academy of Cavite, Imus, Cavite; 4th prize – Pamela Rose A. Virtucio, Brent International School Manila, Pasig City; and 5th prize – Stephanie Mae P. Sol, International School, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City.

High school level: 1st prize – Jade B. Gloria, St. Christopher Academy, Tungao, Butuan City; 2nd prize – Dom Antonoine B. Fortin, Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial, Dumaguete Science High School, Dumaguete City; 3rd prize – Arthur John S. Bene, Rafael B. Lacson Memorial H.S., Talisay, Negros Occidental; and 4th prize – Jed Mae H. Bitay, Ozamis School of Arts & Trade, Maningcol, Ozamis City.

Certificate of appreciation will be given to all participants, while certificates of recognition will be given to the winners, aside from cash awards. For both levels, first prize winner will receive a cash award of P5,000, second prize – P4,000, third prize – P3,000 and fourth prize – P1,000. The fifth prize winner in the elementary level will get P1,000.