Cebu City student wins UPU letter writing contest

CEBU, Philippines — A student from Cebu City will represent the Philippines in the 53rd Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Contest that would be held in Switzerland after besting all other contenders in the recent national competition.

 The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) announced that Karylle Mitch Salazar of Saint Mary’s Academy of San Nicolas Inc. in Cebu City won the 53rd UPU International Letter Writing Contest and that her winning letter-entry will represent the country in the UPU competition in Switzerland.

Salazar bagged the P20,000 first prize and will have the honor of representing the country in the worldwide competition in Berne, Switzerland.

The chosen theme for this year’s competition is: “Write a letter to future generations about the world you hope they inherit.”

Part of her letter read: “In a world of serenity may you never fail to remember that love and compassion will always form the real definition of beauty. With utmost truthfulness, may these words reach you significantly. May you always be reminded that behind this letter is someone who hopes for a bright future ahead of you”.

PHLPost also announced that the second prize was won by Mathea Lyf Aire Elorde, of Kong Hua School in Cagayan de Oro. She received the P15,000 cash. Shania Mae M. Logronio of Atanacia Logronio Integrated School, Lanao del Norte got the P10,000 third prize.

This year’s judges were led by PHLPost Chief of Staff Marcos Ryan Laurente, School Press Advisers Movement Inc. Founder Dr. Melanie Viloria-Briones; University of Sto. Tomas Office of Public Affairs Acting Director Michaella Lagniton; and Presidential Communications Office Director for Digital Media and Communications Faith De Guia.

The contest is designed to develop the young people's skills in composition and the ability to express their thoughts clearly, to foster their enjoyment of letter-writing and to help strengthen the bonds of international friendship – one of the basic missions of the UPU, a specialized agency of the United Nations wherein PHLPost is an active member. (CEBU NEWS)