Essay Writing Competitions in the Philippines for 2017
The Philippines has a long tradition of encouraging critical thinking and strong writing abilities through essay writing competitions. Nearly every major organization in the country hosts some type of writing contest each year focused on a specific theme or topic. 2017 was no exception, with dozens of opportunities for students and professionals to enter essay contests covering various subjects.
Some of the largest and most prestigious writing competitions held in the Philippines in 2017 included:
ASEAN Essay Competition
Organized by the ASEAN Foundation and PHILFAX Center, this essay contest challenges university students to analyze topics related to ASEAN community building, integration, and cooperation. The 2017 ASEAN Essay Competition centered around the theme “Building an Inclusive ASEAN Community.” Cash prizes were awarded to the top 3 essays, with the grand prize being 100,000 PHP. Over 500 students from universities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao submitted essays for consideration.
Jollibee Family Values Award
Celebrating 15 years, the annual Jollibee Family Values Award is one of the Philippines’ longest-running essay competitions. Open to college students, the 2017 theme asked participants to reflect on “How Families Help Build a Just, Compassionate and Progressive Society.” Three winners were selected to receive cash awards as well as specialized training from Jollibee. A record 1,200 essays were submitted for the anniversary edition of this competition.
Cebu Normal University Essay Contest
As part of the university’s efforts to promote higher learning throughout the Visayas region, Cebu Normal University sponsored its annual inter-school essay contest in 2017. With the theme “Empowering Communities through Education,” the contest drew over 800 submissions from secondary students representing 25 schools across Cebu province. Three top essays were chosen and the winners received scholarship prizes enabling them to attend CNU.
Rizal Essays Competition
Celebrating the national hero’s 156th birth anniversary in 2017, the Dr. Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission (RCCC) held its annual Rizal Essays Competition. Open to high school, college and professional levels, participants wrote on themes exploring Rizal’s continuing relevance today such as “Rizal and Peace” or “Rizal and Good Governance.” Cash prizes were given to winners at each educational level, with the champion essayist taking home 30,000 PHP. More than 2,000 entries were received.
LopezLink Article Writing Contest
As a way to encourage internal talent and engage employees, First Philippine Holdings Corporation launched its LopezLink Article Writing Contest in 2017. Open to all employees of FPHC member companies, the contest challenged entrants to submit 500-1,000 word articles telling the company’s story or demonstrating its core values. Winners in three age categories won cash and other prizes, with the grand prize being 20,000 PHP. Over 300 quality articles were submitted for consideration.
Ateneo de Manila University Inter-School Essay Writing Contest
For its 19th year, Ateneo de Manila University’s Inter-School Essay Writing Contest invited junior and senior high school students to submit essays that reflect critical, analytical skills on issues confronting Philippine society. The 2017 theme asked participants to analyze how cultural traditions can be preserved while embracing developments and changes. Three winners were selected to receive trophies and cash prizes ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 PHP.
In addition to these major contests, countless smaller competitions were also organized by local organizations, advocacy groups, and government bodies. Themes typically revolved around important issues like education reform, environmental stewardship, women’s empowerment, poverty alleviation, and nation-building. Participation in essay contests continues to be an impactful way for Filipinos across all age groups to thoughtfully engage with significant topics and showcase writing abilities on a national stage. With their emphasis on using critical thinking to explore solutions, essay writing competitions play a vital role in developing the next generation of leaders, thinkers and change-makers in Philippine society.
In summary, 2017 saw an abundance of stimulating themes and issues covered through essay writing competitions held all throughout the Philippines. Contests sponsored by elite educational institutions, private companies, NGOs and government entities drew thousands of engaged participants at local, regional and national scales. As always, Filipinos rose up to the challenges of presenting insightful perspectives on how to better the country through the written word. Essay contests clearly remain an integral part of actively cultivating well-rounded, thoughtful citizens committed to progress.