The 7th International Children's Environmental Conservation Drawing Contest Awarding Ceremony Successfully Held at Yuan Thong Temple

Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple
December 24, 2024

On December 21, 2024, the awarding ceremony for the Fantasia of Reducing and Collecting Plastic – 7th International Children's Environmental Conservation Drawing Contest in the Negros Occidental region was successfully concluded at Fo Guang Shan Yuan Thong Temple. The event attracted numerous school representatives, parents, and distinguished guests, with nearly a hundred attendees witnessing the creative and dedicated works of the young awardees. A total of 31 students from Negros Occidental were recognized for their exceptional achievements.

The ceremony, hosted by Rhea Abad and Carl, commenced with a solemn rendition of the Philippine National Anthem by all participants. Venerable Zhi Rong of Yuan Thong Temple delivered the welcome speech, expressing gratitude for the support extended to this international initiative aimed at fostering children's creativity and environmental awareness.

Venerable Zhi Rong emphasized that the contest not only inspired the children’s artistic potential but also conveyed the importance of environmental conservation through art. The students of Negros Occidental demonstrated outstanding artistic talent, bringing pride to a region that deeply values culture and education.

During the awarding segment, winners were called on stage to receive certificates and commemorative gifts, which included eco-friendly water bottles and small vases symbolizing peace (known as “ping” in Chinese). Awards were presented by esteemed representatives such as Mrs. Arlene, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent CESO V of Cadiz City; Dr. Josette P. Balandra Education Program Supervisor-SGOD - Division TAG Focal Person Sagay City; and Mrs. Rosita Gochangco, Supervisor of Buddha’s Light International Association Bacolod Chapter. Visual Artist Ryan Paul also shared insights on the contest’s theme, “Fantasia of Reducing and Collecting Plastic,” which aligns with the United Nations’ Earth Day 2024 agenda, “Planet vs. Plastics.”

In her closing remarks, Dr. Josette P. Balandra praised the event, highlighting how it broadened students’ horizons and allowed them to experience diverse perspectives through the Three Acts of Goodness activities organized by Fo Guang Shan.

Towards the end of the ceremony, participants engaged in three unique photo opportunities. The first featured the lotus hand gesture, symbolizing purity and beauty; the second showcased the Three Acts of Goodness gesture, representing doing good deeds, speaking good words, and thinking good thoughts; and the third captured a traditional Chinese fist-and-palm salute (Gong Shou), as participants collectively extended New Year’s greetings: “Fo Guang Shan wishes everyone a Happy Chinese New Year. Keep going, the future is bright.”

To express appreciation, Venerable Zhi Rong presented special tokens to school principals, teachers, and coaches, which included embroidered bags, small vases, and red couplets. Additionally, representatives from the Department of Education received a commemorative book, "Clouds and Water: A fifty years Anniversary Photography of Master Hsing Yun."

Awardees also shared their heartfelt reflections. Mia Mararette Calzada from Sagay National High School expressed her surprise and gratitude for the opportunity to participate, remarking, “I did my best and am thankful to Fo Guang Shan for giving me this chance to grow and gain experience.”

Mar Eros Matandac from West I Elementary School in Cadiz City similarly extended his thanks to Fo Guang Shan for the platform provided.

Loise Yufei V. Masgad from Sagay National High School shared her hopes for raising environmental awareness, saying, “When it comes to environmental protection, I wish to inspire more people to preserve our surroundings. I am grateful for this opportunity to attend the awarding ceremony at Yuan Thong Temple.”

Chelsea P. Gregorio from West I Elementary School expressed her nervousness during an interview but conveyed her excitement and gratitude for the recognition.

This awarding ceremony not only served as a vibrant exchange of art and culture but also as a multi-generational awakening to the importance of environmental education. The event concluded successfully, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating the next installment of this inspiring competition.