The Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Office XII joined this year’s celebration of the World Water Day at the KCC Mall Convention Center in Koronadal City. This year’s activity which was held on March 18, adopted the theme, “HAWAK KAMAY TUBIG KAAGAPAY”, was participated in by the nine (9) Divisions of the Department of Education Region XII.
Students representing the nine (9) divisions in SOCSKSARGEN actively took part in the various activities such as Poster Making, Essay Writing Contest and Quiz Bowl. The Poster-Making and Essay Writing Contests centered on this year’s theme which highlighted the need for a concerted effort to protect water sources and ensure that water is available to all.
For the Opening Message, Engr. Elmer T. Supremo, Development Management Officer IV of the Department of Health (DOH-XII) shared his scholarly opinion and views on the importance of potable water and his expertise in sanitation.
The celebration was also graced by the presence of Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) Chief Maria Theresa D. Bautista, DILG-XII. In her message, Division Chief Bautista said that water is ‘the blood life of the environment’ and thus, everyone ‘has the responsibility to take care of this gift’ knowing how essential it is for all living things. She pointed out what seems to be the missing element among those who take water for granted: care and concern for this all-important and vital resource. She ended her speech with the words from a quote saying, “The only thing we need to do is care.”
At the culmination of the event, winners in the various contests categories were announced and they received corresponding prizes and rewards. For the Poster-Making Contest Jovy Lloyd Gaspar of Koronadal City bagged the 1st place, Kent Manginsawan of Kidapawan City got the 2nd place and John Christian Harold Casero of Sultan Kudarat Province placed 3rd.
For the Essay-Writing Contest, Hannah Charisse Barluado of South Cotabato showed her writing prowess and wowed the judges, placing 1st. Darylie Faye Gayatin of Sultan Kudarat trailed in the 2nd place and Alexa Astidillo of Kidapawan settled for the 3rd place.
The highlight of the event is the Quiz Bowl that was participated in by 36 students. Those who stood out among them were Miles Timoty Queman of Cotabato City who bagged the 1st place, Reid Chrysler Manares of Sarangani getting the 2nd place and Kent Impok of Kidapawan City landing in the 3rd place.
At the closing part of the activity, participants and guests alike were made to stand up and, with their arms raised and hands holding each other, everyone shouted loudly in unison,“ HAWAK KAMAY TUBIG KAAGAPAY” to signal their commitment to preserve, protect and value water.
