The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD-DOST) sponsored a painting contest in connection with the National Science and Technology Week celebration held recently at the SMX, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
Focusing on the relevance of science and technology in attaining agricultural productivity, the contest adopted the theme “providing science-based know-how and tools that enable the agricultural sector to raise productivity to world-class standards.”
The theme provides significance in terms of PCAARRD’s role in addressing DOST’s Outcome One. Of the 25 contestants who joined the contest, most of whom came from Metro Manila, only 18 were able to finish their entries. The contest yielded four winners for clusters: general agriculture, crops, and forestry and environment.
The winning entries were determined on the basis of originality (30%), relevance to the theme (30%), creativity (30%), and execution (10%).
Ms. Dianne D. Sabino of St. Louis College, Valenzuela City, won the first place for her painting on General Agriculture. Her works depicted the link between science and technology and education as a key to overcome global challenges and what an ordinary Filipino can achieve with agricultural innovation.
Ms. Jamia Mei E. Tolentino of St. Stephen’s High School, on the other hand, won in the Crops category with her painting on the value of crop production and ensuring continuous agricultural productivity.
“The Philippines is an agricultural county and it is a must that we should give importance to its resources to ensure sustainability,” Jamia said.
Through her craft, Jamia expressed her gratitude to government offices like DOST and PCAARRD for improving the country’s farming system through research and development.
Mr. Darvin C. Capulong of the Ramon Magsaysay High School and Mr. Argelo G. Agdon of Liceo de San Pablo, San Pablo City got the first and second prizes, respectively, for the Forestry and Environment Category.
Darvin’s painting focused on forest conservation and environmental protection. He expressed in his craft how forest and environment provide renewable and non-renewable resources and the importance of using these resources wisely.
Argelo’s painting depicts the Philippines as a fast progressing nation propelled by the country’s agriculture and economic growth.
The award-winning paintings were exhibited at the lobby of PCAARRD Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna right after the NSTW celebration.
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Other participating schools include Colegio de Sto. Niño, Philippine Science High School, Sta. Clara Parish School, MCA Montessori School, Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School, Creative Learning School, Inc., Timoteo Paez Integrated School, Holy Rosary Academy, Colegio de San Agustin, Malayan High School of Science – Pandacan, PTM – Jesus is Love Academy, Betty’s Vermillion Academy, San Pedro National High School, Agapeland Christian Academy, Lifeway Baptist Academy, and Maria Clara Abada High School.
First prize winners received a cash prize of five thousand pesos while the lone second prize winner received two thousand five hundred pesos. The winners and their schools also received a plaque of appreciation.