MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) recently announced the winners of the 38th International Letter Writing Competition for young people to promote better understanding around the world through the post office. The winner will represent the country in the worldwide competition to be held in Berne, Switzerland.
This year’s winners are Jose Manuel de Santos Balmaceda, Grade 6 student of Ateneo de Manila University – first prize; Walton Royce Chiu Tan, of Sacred Heart School of the Society of Jesus, Canduman, Mandaue City – second prize; and Joyce Dayrit of Mauaque Resettlment High School Mabalacat, Pampanga – third prize.
The contest is a yearly event organized by PhilPost under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), which is composed of 191 countries around the world of which the Philippines is an active member. The chosen theme for this year is: “Write a letter to someone to explain how decent working conditions can lead a better life.”
This year’s judges were led by Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino Commissioner Carmelita Abdurahman as chair, with members UN Information Center national information officer Agnes Shari Aliman, UP vice chancellor Mary Delia Tomacruz and DepEd English coordinator Lourdes Cabanes.
The UPU encouraged all postal administrations around the world to organize the contest for kids aged 15 and below with one theme, making young people aware of the important role postal services play in our societies.
The contest aims to promote better understanding around the world through the post office. The theme was chosen to support Ihe international Labor Organization’s worldwide campaign on the importance of decent working conditions.
The first prize winner will be awarded P15,000, the second prize P10,000 and the third prize P5,000 plus corresponding medals, plaques and albums of Philippine stamps.
The awarding ceremony will be held on Oct. 9, coinciding with the worldwide celebration of World Post Day.