Centre for P.E.A.C.E. to hold on-the-spot painting and essay-writing contests in Pasay City, Philippines

Fifty nine students from various schools in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines will participate in on-the-spot painting and essay-writing contests at the Alleviation Center, 822 Dominguez St., Malibay, Pasay City. The competitions which were originally slated last Thursday (November 30) had to be postponed, however, due to the suspension of classes in all Metro Manila schools brought about by typhoon Reming that was expected to affect the metropolis.

Putting the safety of the students in mind, Pasay schools division Superintendent Dr. Rosalinda V. Tongco ordered the postponement until further notice. The competitions will be rescheduled next week as soon as classes resume after the long weekend here. Friday was considered a non-working holiday because Bonifacio Day (an national holiday) fell on a Thursday.

Thirty eight elementary pupils will compete in the painting contest, while twenty one high school students will compete in the essay-writing contest. Both competitions will tackle the theme "Peace as Seen in the Hearts and Minds of the Pasay Youth."

The project is a part of what is dubbed as "A Week for Peace in Pasay City" that was jointly launched by the Centre for P.E.A.C.E., Department of Education-National Capital Region, Rotary Club of Masambong of Quezon City and the Office of Pasay Congresswoman Connie Dy, in cooperation with the Pasay Division of Schools and the Rotary Club of Illustrado together with other Pasay City Rotary clubs.

According to Congresswoman Dy's daughter Judy Dy-Tumangan, the winning contestants shall receive the Connie Dy Peace Prizes of P5,000 for the 1st place; P3,000 for 2nd place; P2,000 for 3rd place and P1,000 each for the 4th and 5th placers. These applies to winners in both the painting and essay-writing contests. The schools where the two 1st placers come from will each receive an AVR showcase, Judy added.

The winners, together with their parents and teachers will be honored in fitting ceremonies that will form part of the city's 143rd Anniversary celebrations.

"A Week for Peace in Pasay City" represents the second leg in implementing the agreement between the Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government and the Centre for P.E.A.C.E. in promoting a culture of peace among the ranks of students nationwide.

The first successfull launching of the project was the "8 Days for Peace in QC" last September, which was recognized as a part of the UN-mandated peace celebrations worldwide. (You may visit its website at www.qcpartners4peace.tk)

The Centre for P.E.A.C.E. project was adopted by the Rotary Club of Masambong in Quezon City who rallies the support of other Rotary clubs in spreading peace consciousness among the youth in their respective localities.