‘DAKILANG LAHI:’ FILIPINO-JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP ON CANVAS
This year marks the 66th anniversary of the friendship between Japan and the Philippines. It is a meaningful year for both countries as they celebrate decades of solidarity, trust, and mutual understanding.
To strengthen the ties, the Department of Education (DepEd) mounted “3rd Philippines-Japan Friendship Art Contest” held recently at Tanza, Cavite.
With the theme “Dakilang Lahi,” the art contest is aimed at showcasing the talents of Filipino elementary students when it comes to art.
For the first time in the contest’s three-year run, two students—
Grade 3 student Cedric John Develos and Grade 2 student Ryu Elle Xandrea Boclaras— bagged the first prize.
START THEM YOUNG
Students who took part in this year’s event came from various DepEd regions. Winners from participating elementary schools battled it out in the district meet.
Each winner from the district meet competed in a per-division exhibit, and then in the regional division. The 45 winners from the regional competition made it to the ”3rd Philippines-Japan Friendship Art Contest.”
A SHOWCASE OF CULTURAL FRIENDSHIP
Japanese philanthropist and event sponsor Kenji Mori said the annual event not only showcase the beautiful artworks of the young artists, but is also a showcase of cultural friendship.
Showcasing the real meaning of Filipino-Japanese friendship through their artworks, Grade 3 student Cedric John Develos from Region VI and Grade 2 student Ryu Elle Xandrea Boclaras from Region XII were declared the champions of the national art contest.
The winning artworks, “Friendship” by Cedric Develos features a cat and a dog, known in popular culture to be stern enemies, posing side-by-side with the Philippine and Japanese flags in the background; and “Depicting Friendship Through Applied Learning” by Ryu Boclaras depicts three children stepping into the sea.
Because of a tie, Mori divided the P500,000 grand prize and awarded them each with P250,000.
The other winners are: “Emulating Greatness” by Henry Stephen Cadapan, Grade 6, from Calabarzon, 1st runnerup; “Dakilang Lahi” by Mario Caalam, Grade 6 from Region V, 2nd runner-up. The first and second runner-winners received P100,000 and P50,000, respectively.
Mori also gave special awards to three pupils namely, Mary
“DepEd’s initiatives have provided opportunities for our students to learn things in addition to what we cover inside the classroom. Among these initiatives is this art contest that provides rewards and prizes for gifted Filipino elementary students, who also developed a better understanding of friendship between the Philippines and Japan.”
Ericka Rebueno, grade 5 from Region V; Shanar Bacan, Grade 4 from Region XI; and Tinker Myles G. Bonita, grade 5 student from Region VII. They each received received P10,000.
Each regional winner received P5,000, while non-winning entries received P3,000.
A REFLECTION ON FILIPINO JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP
During the event, DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio expressed gratitude for Mori, who displayed generosity and kindness for the past three years.
“[His] initiatives have provided opportunities for our students to learn things in addition to what we cover inside the classroom,” he said in a video message. “Among these initiatives is this art contest that provides rewards and prizes for gifted Filipino elementary students, who also developed a better understanding of friendship between the Philippines and Japan.”
San Antonio then congratulated the winners and the officials, who organized the event.
Jocelyn Andaya, director IV of the DepEd Bureau of Curriculum and Development, in a message, said the contest reflected the many years of friendship between Japan and the Philippines.
“This year’s entries reflect the strength of friendship between the two countries through the lens of our young Filipino learners. The paintings also showcased the extent to which our young artists promote the two cultures, essentially highlighting unity amid diversity,” she said.
She recognized Mori who has always believed in the artistic talent of young Filipino students in every region.
In his closing remarks, Mori said he hopes the next administration would continue to uphold the strong friendship the two nations have.
“I hope that the new government will continue to support this undertaking,” Mori added. “If not, this is the last art contest I will sponsor.”