6 PUP students win ombudsman’s film contest

MANILA, Philippines - Six students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) won in a short film contest that seeks to instill honesty among the youth and fight graft and corruption in government.

The results of the Integrity Development Contest that the Office of the Ombudsman launched in partnership with fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. in October last year were released yesterday.

PUP students Joan Rostata, Terrence Gonzalvez and Annie Bico; Leo Alexis Ecijan, Marjorie Olfindo and Marvin Dolores won first and second prizes, respectively; while Yujin de Vera, Allenia Abigail Caneda and Axl Ray Morales from the Technological University of the Philippines came in third.

 The winners will receive cash prizes and a scholarship grant in filmmaking for their entries, which centered on the theme “dealing with the fundamentals of good governance and anti-corruption.”

Mar-na Ydella Materum of the Malinta Elementary School in Valenzuela City won first place in the essay-writing category, followed by Hanna Vianney Macalintal of Pakyas Elementary School in Oriental Mindoro and Vincent Benjamen Caballero of the 60A Central School.

Edward Sadama III of the Ilocos Norte National High School in Laoag City bagged first place in poster design, followed by Jamia Mei Tolentino of the St. Stephen’s High School of Manila and Kimbert Bongbonga of the Jose P. Laurel Sr. High School in Quezon City.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said the youth should also play a role in eradicating graft and corruption in government, even as she thanked Jollibee and other private partners for helping promote good governance.