Cebu student represents Philippines in international letter-writing contest

MANILA, Philippines — A letter written by a student from Cebu represented the Philippines in an international letter-writing contest in Switzerland.

Karylle Mitch Salazar of the Saint Mary’s Academy of San Nicolas in Cebu City won first prize in a nationwide letter-writing contest conducted by the Philippine Postal Corp.

The PHLPost said Salazar’s letter became the country’s entry in the 53rd Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Contest that was held in Berne last week.

Salazar received P20,000 for winning the PHLPost contest.

The 53rd UPU International Letter Writing Contest carried the theme: “Write a letter to future generations about the world you hope they inherit.”

An excerpt from Salazar’s letter states: “In a world of serenity, may you never fail to remember that love and compassion will always form the real definition of beauty. With utmost truthfulness, may these words reach you significantly. May you always be reminded that behind this letter is someone who hopes for a bright future ahead of you.”

Aside from Salazar, PHLPost also declared winners Mathea Lyf Aire Elorde of Kong Hua School in Cagayan de Oro and Shania Mae Logronio of the Atanacia Logronio Integrated School in Lanao del Norte.

Elorde and Logronio received P15,000 and P10,000, respectively.

The board of judges included PHLPost’s chief of staff Marcos Ryan Laurente, School Press Advisers Movement Inc. founder Melanie Viloria-Briones, University of Sto. Tomas’ office of public affairs acting chief Michaella Lagniton and Presidential Communications Office director for digital media and communications Faith de Guia.

The contest aims to develop the youth’s ability in expressing and composing their thoughts, promote the enjoyment of letter-writing and help strengthen the bonds of international friendship, which is one of the basic missions of the UPU.