6p
by Nicole F.L. Caminian, 1st Place (Elementary)
6p
by Jairus Cabajar, 2ndPlace (Elementary)
6p
by Genevieve V. Lazarte,, 1st Place (High School)
6p
by Martin F. Rivera, 2nd Place (High School)
Design Coordinator:
R. German F. Florida, Jr.
Layout Artist:
Alfonso V. Divina
First Day Covers: Manila
Cachet Designs by: Kenneth C. Aure,
3rd Place, High School; Jhon Rafael T. Garcia, 3rd Place,
Elementary
"Ang Batang Pinoy Laban sa Droga"
("The Filipino Youth Against Drugs") National Stamp Design Contest
In response to the State of the Nation Address of Her Excellency,
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the third session of the
12th Congress at Batasang Pambansa, the Philippine Postal
Corporation launched the "Ang Batang Pinoy Laban Sa Droga" National
Stamp Design Contest.
As President Arroyo underscored the need for a collective effort in
fighting the illegal drug trade in the country, this contest was
designed to create awareness among the youth regarding their role in
the anti-drug campaign of the government. It gave them a chance to
interpret their ideas on the hazardous effects of drugs and how they
can stay away from drugs.
From among 700 entries coming from public and
private schools throughout the country, three winners were chosen
both from the elementary and high school levels.
The first two winners in the
elementary and high school categories are now featured on the
special stamps "Ang Batang Pinoy Laban Sa Droga". The third winners
from elementary and high school are now featured on the First Day
Covers.
GENEVIEVE V. LAZARTE
Liceo de Cagayan University High School,
Cagayan de Oro City
1st PRIZE WINNER, High School Level
The impact of drug addiction in our society
today is so intense that it results in a chaotic government and a
dramatic decline of our country's economy.
Definitely,
these illegal drugs lead to great dilemma among us, the youth.
Destructive as they are, many of our peers are facing a lot of
troubles in life, making their future uncertain, enough to make them
a big liability to the society in years to come.
Feelings of depression, loneliness,
helplessness, peer pressure, curiosity, lack of self-control, family
problems and at times, poverty are just but some of the factors that
lead an individual to fall into the dark world of drug addiction.
The factors are so plenty and too vague that we need to act as
AGENTS OF CHANGE.
We,
the youth should be agents of change in every sense of the word.
In
everything that we do, we always have the freedom of choice as to
how to face the trials in life, whether in a positive or a negative
way. A
positive or a brave manner may be shown by trying to solve them
squarely. However, a negative or a cowardly way of facing problems
is greatly manifested by indulging in drug addiction. By all means,
the youth, despite the hardships in life, can keep themselves busy
with worthwhile activities such as sports, culture and the arts,
have the courage to say "No" to temptations, have discipline,
self-control, love and affection with one another and above all,
have faith in God.
The youth must be mindful to the bad effects
brought about by the use of illegal drugs.
We must be aware of the constant
changes in our society and be ready to adjust without compromises.
We should uphold the name of our society. Shouting "No to Drugs" is
just not enough. Action and cooperation should go hand in hand. As
an agent of change, a consolidated effort is necessary among the
youth. Each of our helping hands must reach out to the call for
action. Let us help clean up the mess and eliminate
the
ugly graffiti of drug addiction through an active involvement and a
genuine concern.
NICOLE FERNAN L. CAMINIAN
Colegio de San Jose, Jaro, Iloilo City
1st PRIZE WINNER, Elementary Level
As you can see, our world is so messed up ...
with the growing population, more people suffer from poverty, the
rich becomes richer in the society;
there
are a lot of injustices, graft and corruption is not new in the
government, and most of all, the crime rate among the nations are
increasing due to drug addiction.
Philippines is one of these nations.
Furthermore, the ones that are most influenced are the Filipino
youth who are destined to be the future of our country.
Many lives are destroyed due to the
widespread use of drugs. The so called "big people" in our society
are the ones who serve as producers, bidding other people,
especially the less fortunate, for them to earn money without
thinking what harm it will cause them. We are the future generation,
the hope of our Fatherland. No one else can clean up the mess that
our fellowmen have scattered but ourselves. If they could not be
good examples for us, then we could be for them. We can show them
that there are a lot of things which they can do to make this world
a better place to live in. Not of greed, violence and vices; not
with the use of illegal drugs but of love, peace, unity and living
life for the goodness of others. Above all, let us live up to the
thought of influencing others for the common good and not being
influenced by the use of illegal drugs. I believe that we will be
able to sweep away the "filthiness" that has already piled up within
our society and in our country only if we will unite.