PhilPost launches international letter-writing contest

The Philippine Postal Corp. (PhilPost) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) based in Berne, Switzerland recently launched the 36th International Letter Writing Competition for the youth to promote better understanding around the world through the post office.

This year’s competition is aimed at making the public aware of the significance of the polar regions to the Earth’s climate, and ultimately the environment.

The competition will focus on the theme "Imagine you are a wild animal whose habitat is threatened by environmental or climate change. Write a letter to the people of the world, explaining to them what they can do to help you survive."

The first prize entry on the national level will automatically qualify for the UPU International Letter Writing Competition to be held in Switzerland.

Hazel Bajarla Uy of Liceo de Cagayan University won last year’s contest, besting hundreds of participants nationwide.

Postmaster General Hector R. R. Villanueva said students or out-of-school youths who are Filipino citizens and not more than 15 years old are qualified to join the contest.

Compositions must be recent and original letters in English, between 500 and 1,000 words, handwritten or typewritten.

On a separate sheet of paper, the participant must indicate the number of words of the letter composition, complete name and address, gender, age and date of birth, name of school and address, grade level, and contact numbers. A 2x2 colored ID picture must be attached.

The first prize winner will receive P15,000; second prize, P10,000; and third prize, P5,000, plus other recognitions.

For more information on the contest, call Alvin Fidelson or Joy Edralin-Cacho of the PhilPost Marketing Office, at 527-0074, or log on to www.upu.int/letter_writing/ent/index or www.philpost.gov.ph.

Deadline for submission of entries (via postal mail) is on March 31.