Dagupan City Water District (DCWD) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) I recently joined forces to organize an engaging and educational event with the theme “Empower Tomorrow’s Voices: Essay and Art Contest for International World Water Day,” held on March 21, 2024, at West Central Elementary School I, Poblacion Oeste, Dagupan City.
The event, which is part of DCWD’s Gender And Development (GAD) program, featured essay writing and poster making contests, which aimed to promote environmental awareness among students from Grade Levels 4, 5, and 6.
The essay writing contest challenged the students to reflect on the topic: “How we can save water every day at home and school,” which highlights the importance of water conservation and the role of every individual in preserving this vital resource. Participants demonstrated their creativity and writing skills as they crafted compelling essays that highlighted the significance of sustainable water management practices.
On the other hand, the poster making contest provided students with a platform to visually express their ideas on the topic: “Every drop counts; Save Water, Save Life.” Through colorful and imaginative artworks, the young participants showcased their understanding of key concepts such as water conservation, pollution prevention, and ecosystem protection.
Professionals from various sectors graced the event who served as judges namely Engr. Rizaldy T. Mandap (DCWD General Manager), Dr. Vladmir C. Parayno (DepEd Dagupan Senior Education Program Specialist), Mr. Teodoro Manaois (DepEd Dagupan Water in School Focal Person), Mr. Anthony Failoga (COA Audit Team Member) and Ms. Jasmin Kathy Verzola (Universidad De Dagupan Director for External Affairs and International Linkages).
GM Mandap highlighted in his inspirational message the significance of water to our everyday lives and that it is crucial to be conscious of our water resources, prevent water pollution and use water carefully.
Dr. Leonarda J. Manansala, the OIC-Office of the Principal of West Central Elementary School I, emphasized in her speech that the collaboration between DCWD and DepEd empowers the learners of Dagupan City to be champions of water conservation and sustainability.
Likewise, Dr. Parayno provided encouragement to the participants to do their best and showcase their talents and skills for this activity.
The winners of the contests were awarded with Cash Prize, Medal and Certificate of Participation. For the winners of the poster making contest, Alyana Thea Sarmiento (Grade 6) bagged the 1st place, Mark Denver Paragas (Grade 5) won 2nd place and Ainra Johari Ramos (Grade 5) earned the 3rd place.
As for the essay writing contest, Ralph Owen Borja (Grade 4) garnered the highest score across all criteria and placed 1st, Zyra Amethyst Guieb (Grade 5) bagged the 2nd place and Kyla Mae Fabito (Grade 6) won the 3rd place.
The other participants were given a Consolation Prize and a Certificate of Participation. The prizes served as a token of appreciation for the students’ hard work and dedication in creating impactful essays and artworks that advocate for environmental conservation.
The event not only recognized the winners but also highlighted the importance of instilling environmental consciousness in the younger generation.
Through partnerships like the one between DCWD and DepEd SDO I, communities can work together to educate and empower the youth to become stewards of the environment, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
