The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) recently announced the national winners of the 53rd Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Competition for Young People aimed to encourage young people to articulate their thoughts on current global challenges and propose innovative solutions.
This year’s winners are Ms. Karylle Mitch V. Salazar, a student of Saint Mary’s Academy of San Nicolas, Inc. Cebu City– first prize; Ms. Mathea Lyf Aire N. Elorde, of Kong Hua School, Cagayan de Oro – second prize; and Ms. Shania Mae M. Logronio of Atanacia L. Logronio Integrated School, Lanao del Norte – third prize.
The first prize winner will be awarded with Php20,000 cash, the second prize -P15,000 and third prize – P10,000 plus corresponding medals, and certificates for the winners. The chosen theme for this year is: “Write a letter to future generations about the world you hope they inherit.”
Ms. Karylle Mitch V. Salazar’s winning entry will represent the country in the worldwide competition to be held in Berne, Switzerland.
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”.
This year’s judges were led by PHLPost Chief of Staff Marcos Ryan Laurente, School Press Advisers Movement Inc. Founder Dr. Melanie Viloria-Briones, ED. D, University of Sto. Tomas Office of Public Affairs Acting Director Michaella Lagniton, MA, 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 Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialized agency of the United Nations wherein PHLPost is an active member.