Good news stories in the news media will finally be receiving due recognition in a unique contest that aims to encourage Filipinos to write more positive stories about the Filipino people and the Philippines.
GoodNewsPilipinas.com, a positive news portal that highlights the beauty of the Philippines and the good in the Filipino, has partnered with EdukCircle ICCS and BPI Foundation in a Filipino Pride Essay Writing Competition with the Theme: “Why I am Proud to be a Filipino.”
The writing contest invites writers to share thoughts and feelings in an essay format on why they are proud Filipino, the great Filipino spirit, and the amazing wonders of the Philippines.
Essays are expected to uplift, inspire and boost the morale of Filipinos. The writing should make every Filipino feel proud of their country, heritage, and culture.
EdukCircle ICCS, a venue for students and educators for the advancement and essential evaluation of communication practices in different academic fields, partners with GoodNewsPilipinas.com in providing an opportunity for participants to practice skills and inspire others.
Alex Baltazar, Managing Director of EdukCircle ICCS, says of the collaboration, “In this time when all the news we watch and read are depressing issues, may it be about politics and other social concerns, encouraging everyone to think deeply and write about the beauty of the Philippines and the goodness in Filipinos can really be a breath of fresh air.”
“What this country needs is inspiration and I think that this contest could definitely give an opportunity, especially to the students, to think that the Philippines is a country that is so blessed with many natural wonders and talented, kind-hearted people that we can really be very proud of,” Baltazar affirms.
Faye Corcuera, Executive Director of BPI Foundation and SVP & Head of the BPI Sustainability Office, says of the partnership, “We wholeheartedly support this contest because the topic is very relevant as it enlivens our sense of identity and pride in being Filipino. The country has experienced healthy GDP growth in the past four years and there is a new confidence in the country with our economic activity only second to China. Thus, there is much for us to be proud of in our country. We are no longer the ‘sick man in Asia’.”
“Writing about the many reasons for why we can be proud will further propel the country as an upcoming economy to the global market. Positive stories will also build our sense of nation. This creates a good self-image for the Filipino, and engenders national dignity, a positive optimism and ‘can-do’ attitude to surmount any challenge a country may face,” adds the Bank of the Philippine Islands official.
The writing contest is divided into two sections, the Student and Open categories.
Six winning entries, three from each category will be published in the Inspirational Views section of www.GoodNewsPilipinas.com alongside the writings of acclaimed inspirational personalities.
In the Open Category, the first prize winner receives 15,000 pesos and a trophy. The second placer receives 10,000 pesos and a certificate, the third placer gets 5,000 pesos and a certificate.
In the Student Category, the first prize winner receives 10,000 pesos and a trophy. The second placer receives 7,000 pesos and a certificate, the third placer gets 3,000 pesos and a certificate.
The contest period runs from June 15 to August 8, 2015. Contest details may be seen on GoodNewsPilipinas.
Winning essays will be read and awarded at the EdukCircle ICCS Conference on September 5, 2015 at the UP Theatre, Diliman, Quezon City.
