Bagong Pilipinas songwriting tilt opens

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has opened a songwriting competition for college students nationwide, which seeks to highlight the youth’s hope for “Bagong Pilipinas” or New Philippines, the Marcos administration’s brand of governance.

The contest is also in line with the celebration of Communications Month this October, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a Facebook post yesterday.

“Song entries may touch on the Filipino youth’s aspirations for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ or the inspirational Filipino excellence and unbreakable spirit that will enable this call-to-action realization, among others,” the PCO added.

Interested participants may refer to the PCO Facebook page for the format, criteria and prizes.

The agency earlier said it would launch a campus caravan that would feature activities such as exhibition booths, media information literacy workshops, creative contests and competitions, panel discussions, Konsyerto sa Palasyo campus auditions and internship information booth, among others, during the month-long celebration.

College students are likewise invited to join other competitions such as short filmmaking, essay writing, mural painting and spoken word poetry organized by the PCO.

Launched in July, the Bagong Pilipinas campaign calls for a deep and fundamental transformation in all sectors of the society and the government, and fosters the Marcos’ government’s commitment toward the attainment of comprehensive policy reforms and full economic recovery, the PCO said in a previous statement.

“The Bagong Pilipinas campaign serves as the overarching theme of the administration of President Marcos characterized by a principled, accountable and dependable government reinforced by unified institutions of society with the objective realize the goals and aspirations of every Filipino,” it added.

Marcos signed Proclamation No. 308 issued last August, declaring October as Communications Month.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “CommUNITY: Nagkakaisang Tinig Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas,” which is aimed at “magnifying and showcasing unity among government institutions by illustrating a whole-of-government approach in combating misinformation and disinformation while fostering a sense of unity among students and the youth,” according to the PCO.