Sixth grader Queen Nicole Grace Baguinaon emerged victorious over 33 other contestant who participated in the 2017 World Food Day On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest conducted on September 21, 2017 at Balanghai Hotel & Convention Center.
The annual contest is part of the activities of the World Food Day celebration. It aims to instill awareness on agricultural concerns among the younger generations. The declining interest in agriculture among the youth is a growing concern worldwide. Thus, the Department is taking steps to engage them and bring back their love for agriculture.
“The children are the future driving force of our nation so it is important to inculcate in them the importance of agriculture for without it, there will be no food to feed the people,” DA Caraga Field Operations Division Chief Rebecca R. Atega said in her message.
This year’s theme is “Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development.” It focuses on the challenges brought about by migration and how it can be addressed by creating livable conditions and business opportunities that will make people stay home.
Eleven year-old Baguinaon is a sixth grader at the Navarro Memorial Central Elementary School. She said she is thankful for the opportunity to have taken part in the activity and winning was a big bonus. “I really gave it my best because I want my family and school to be proud of me”, she said.
Participants of the contest were the top three winners of the 12 Schools Division of Caraga. The contestants were grades IV-VI pupils of public and DepEd accredited private schools.
Baguinaon received P3,000 cash prize, a gold medal, and a certificate. Second place winner Royd Nick Nautan of Claver Central Elem. School received P2,000 cash prize, a silver medal, and a certificate while 3rd placer James Melbert G. Guisando received P1,500 cash prize, a bronze medal, and a certificate.
The winning poster will be Caraga’s official entry to the National level of the contest on October 6, 2017 at the DA Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City. (Vanessa P. Sanchez/DA13)