As part of its climate change awareness initiatives, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) organized an On-the-Spot- Painting Contest last 10-12 November 2009 at the D.L. Umali Hall Lobby of SEARCA. Dubbed "Color Our World Beautiful," the contest brought in 86 participants from various schools, colleges, and universities in Laguna to as far as Cavite. Divided into three categories, the top winners for each category include: Anna Valerie B. Corre of the University of Perpetual Help System (Elementary level); Jayson G. Cristobal (High School level); and Jhunly A. Lazaro (College level).

Photo shows the 1st Placer in the Elementary level, Anna Valerie B. Corre of the University of Perpetual Help System, Calamba City

The contest provided students a platform to express what they think about Climate Change through creative and visual arts. In an interview with some of the contestants, Jhunly A. Lazaro of the Laguna State Polytechnic University said that through his artwork, he hopes to contribute in awakening people to combat climate change and to protect the earth by conserving energy and tree planting. In addition, Katya Matea M. Palles of the Little Jesus Learning Center in Calamba City stated that we can do our share in solving (the impacts) of climate change by reducing, reusing, recycling, and by showing the members of our family and our neighbors how to protect the environment.

In judging the entries, the set criteria included composition and visual impact of the poster, then its relevance to the theme, technique, and creativity/originality. Serving as judges were Prof. Leticia E. Afuang of the Institute of Biological Sciences, UPLB; Prof. Ma. Teresa DV. Arejola of the Department of Humanities CAS, UPLB; and Dr. Lorna M. Calumpang, Head of the Knowledge Resources Unit of SEARCA. Winners will receive cash prizes ranging from US$ 40 to US$ 200. Awarding will be done during the 43rd SEARCA anniversary, which will be held on November 20, 2009.

Below is the complete list of winners and entries with special citations:

Elementary level:

1st prize - Anna Valerie B. Corre -University of Perpetual Help System – Calamba
2nd prize – Katya Marea M. Palles – Little Jesus Learning Center – Calamba
3rd prize – Harold Arsenius D. Quezada – Lopez Elementary School

Special citations:

Luis Daniel R. Yonzon – Lopez Elementary School
Nikolo Anton F. Lahoz – Canossa College, San Pablo

High School Level:

1st prize – Jayson G. Cristobal – Calamba Bayside National High School – Calamba
2nd prize – Vanessa Cherry Pearl Escucha – Philippine High School for the Arts
3rd prize – Abigail Joyce B. Sorono – Philippine High School for the Arts

Special citations:

Franzell Dexter Marin – Morning Star Montessori School, Inc.
Khemshelly T. Fandialan – Canossa College, San Pablo

College Level:

1st prize – Jhunly A. Lazaro – Laguna State Polytechnic University – Sta. Cruz
2nd prize – Alexandro L. Maghari – San Pablo Colleges
3rd prize – Jhornaliza T. Cristobal – City College of Calamba

Special citations:

Marben S. Correje – City College of Calamba
Kianelli Ann M. Palles – University of Perpetual Help Systems