Mikaela Ashika Vargas of Catanduanes National High School has been named the national winner of the 54th Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Competition for Young People, organized by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost).
Vargas topped the nationwide competition with her letter focused on the theme: “Imagine you are the ocean. Write a letter to someone explaining why and how they should take good care of you.” Her winning entry will represent the Philippines in the global competition to be held in Berne, Switzerland.
In her letter, Vargas wrote:
“I’m the ocean near the Philippines, but really, I’m just a small part of something much bigger. I’m connected to all the other oceans and seas around the world. Water moves, creatures travel, and the winds above me carry my warmth and storms across the planet. What happens to me does not stay with me — it reaches you too!”
Learn how the search began for the Philippines’ best young letter writer to compete in Switzerland.
This year’s theme encouraged young writers to creatively express the importance of ocean conservation and propose sustainable solutions aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Other winners of the competition include Aime Renny B. Suon of Agusan National High School in Butuan City, who won second prize, and Jayden Lyle Darcy V. Tonosgan of Antique Vocational School in Bugasong, Antique, who placed third.
PHLPost announced that the first prize winner will receive Php 25,000, the second prize Php 20,000, and the third prize Php 15,000. All winners will also receive medals and certificates.
The UPU Letter Writing Competition aims to develop young people’s writing skills, promote the joy of letter writing, and strengthen international friendship—a key mission of the Universal Postal Union, a specialized agency of the United Nations. PHLPost remains an active member supporting these initiatives.
The 2024 panel of judges included Melanie Viloria-Briones, Vice President for Academic Affairs and International Engagements at City College of San Fernando, Pampanga and Founder of the School Press Advisers Movement Inc.; Rachelle Bellesteros-Lintao, Ph.D., President of the Linguistic Society of the Philippines and Professor at the University of Santo Tomas; and Archie Bergosa, Editor-in-Chief of Explained PH and member of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños community.
PHLPost emphasized that letter writing continues to enhance students’ language, communication, and social-emotional skills.
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