“The Ka-PEACE-tahan: Cultivating a Culture of Peace” Poster-Making Competition
by Karina Lagdameo Santillan and Genevieve Balance Kupang
A pre-World March for Peace and Non-violence event was held, organized by the Supreme Student Council of Baguio Central University. The council was headed by Ivy Grace M. Bunnat, SSC President, and Kathleen Geryls B. Chua, SSC Vice President, along with the rest of the SSC officers. They received guidance from their adviser, Dr. Michael Sebullen, and Ma’am Sheenah Pearl L. Pangda, the head of the Student Services Office, as well as Ma’am Judith Adina, the head of the Guidance Services Office. Additionally, they had the full support of Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang, International Relations Officer of BCU and the lead organizer of the 3rd World March in Baguio City, Philippine Leg.
It was the International Day of Peace Poster-Making Competition where young students of BCU participated, showing not just their talents but vividly and in colorful display, bringing their hopes and dreams for a world without wars and violence to the fore.
The theme was “Ka-PEACE-tahan: Cultivating a Culture of Peace.”
The making of the posters showcases the creativity and collaboration of various departments and colleges involved in this project. Photo credit: BCU The Flame.
Below are some of the poster art that came out of the hearts, minds, and hands of our young artists: Peace Artwork by Harris C. Olida from the College of Criminal Justice Education, Champion of Category 5: College.
Peace Artwork by Shylynne La Madrid, Champion of Category 4: Senior High School.
Peace Artwork by Janvi P. Jolly, Champion of Category 3: Junior High School.
Genevieve Balance Kupang, PhD, International Relations Officer of BCU and the lead organizer of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence in Baguio City, Philippines congratulated all the young artists… “CUTE peacebuilders in Grade School, AWESOME Junior High and Senior High PEACE ARTISTS, to our NEXT-GEN LEADERS in college—YOU did it!”
She encouragingly said: “Yes, you did it! Your creativity was off the charts! Your posters? More powerful than a peace treaty! They remind us that peace doesn’t start in some fancy conference room—IT STARTS WITH YOU, IN YOUR HEART, YOUR ART, YOUR THOUGHTS, YOUR WORDS, AND YOUR ACTIONS. AND HEY, YOU NEVER KNOW—THOSE MESSAGES YOU’VE SPLASHED ON illustration boards MIGHT JUST ECHO ALL THE WAY TO THE UNIVERSE AND BEYOND! “It’s not just a vibe—it’s a lifestyle. Let’s lead, learn, and live peace, in everything we do,” added Genevieve Balance Kupang.
The Poster Making Competition awarding ceremonies were held last October 15, 2024 at the Dr. Margarita J. Fernandez Hall. The judges for the competition were Mrs. Jamaica D. Luisa Simon, Sir Jomard Calamba, and Dr. Michael Sebullen.
During her opening remarks, Elma D. Donaal, PhD and Vice President for Academic Affairs of Baguio Central University, said, “I am both honored and excited to witness this event, where we celebrate the talents and creativity of our young artists in fostering a message that is truly vital in our world today: peace.
In a time where division and conflict often grab headlines, your artwork stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder that peace is possible. It is through initiatives like this that we see the heart and soul of our students—from Grade School, Junior High School, Senior High School, and College—each one of you contributing to a brighter, more harmonious future.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our partner organizations, the organizing committee, the teachers, student leaders, and administrators who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible. To all the participants, thank you for your dedication and for sharing your vision of a peaceful world with us. May the spirit of peace you’ve captured in your art continue to inspire and guide us all, not only today but in every step we take as a community…may we all keep cultivating a culture of peace together!”
Recognizing Talent: Award Ceremony for Our Outstanding Winners!
Top winners from Category 1-3. Top LR: Krish P. Jolly – Grade 4; Cara Ellyse G. Rillera – Grade 3; and Center below: Janvi P. Jolly – Grade 10
Top winners from Category 4 & 5: Shylynne La Madrid – Grade 12 and Harris C. Olida – College, CCJE.
The Organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the participants for their remarkable creativity, exceptional skills, and unwavering commitment to expressing their voices of peace through their inspiring artworks. Your contributions not only showcase individual talent but also foster a collective spirit of harmony and understanding.
POSTER-MAKING COMPETITION RESULTS
CATEGORY 1: Elementary Primary
NAME
GRADE LEVEL
STANDING
Rhianna Kassandra Verceles
1
2nd Runner Up
Kenver Zachary R. Anay
2
1st Runner Up
Dear Ellyse G. Rillera,
3
Champion
CATEGORY 2: Elementary Intermediate
NAME
GRADE LEVEL
STANDING
Krish P. Jolly
4
Champion
Nixie Rae C. Flores
5
1st Runner Up
Novalyn Kate C. Valdez
6
2nd Runner Up
CATEGORY 3: Junior High School
NAME
GRADE LEVEL
STANDING
Laiqah M. Omar
7
Rhyza Karylle P. Gamutlong
8
1st Runner Up
Domille Nissi B. Dacanay
9
Aldred M. Digmayo
10
2nd Runner Up
Janvi P. Jolly
10
Champion
CATEGORY 4: Senior High School
NAME
GRADE LEVEL
STRAND
STANDING
Erica Jane Jacobe
11
STEM
Shylynne La Madrid
12
STEM
Champion
Stanley Chegyem
12
HUMMS
Little Nicole Tucay
11
HUMMS
Sergeant Ivan Alvior
12
TVL
Kevin Leo Grospe
11
ABM
1st Runner Up
But. Analiz Nidoy
11
TVL HE
Justine Bagnas
12
ABM 12
2nd Runner Up
CATEGORY 5: College
NAME
COLLEGE
STANDING
Destiny Hope M. Daligdig
CBA
Harris C.Olida
CCJE
Champion
Hazelle Nardo
CNSM
Naomi H. Ognod
CHTM
2nd Runner Up
Jokyle Sooc
COE
Leigh Anne Valerio
CTELA
1st Runner Up
JUDGE NUMBER 1: Michael T. Sebullen, PhD- Research and Development Office Director.
JUDGE NUMBER 2: Jamaica Luisa D. Simon, MAGC – Head, Human Resource Development Office.
JUDGE NUMBER 3: Jomard Calamba, MAM – Baguio Central University Chamber Choir Conductor.
“May the spirit of peace guide us all, always.”
Ms. Bernadeth Chawan, a Junior High School TLE faculty, poses with the participants from her department, holding their peace posters.
The authors of this article, who are peace advocates themselves, are grateful and appreciative to the organizers of the International Day of Peace Poster-Making Competition. The organizers included the Supreme Student Council leaders, headed by Ivy Grace M. Bunnat, President of BCU SSC; their advisor, Dr. Michael Sebullen; the hardworking head of the Student Affairs Office, Ma’am Sheenah Pearl Pangda; and the board of judges: Sir Jomard Calamba, Ma’am Jamaica Simon, and Dr. Michael Sebullen, along with the teachers and administrators who put in the effort to make the competition happen.
The members of the 3rd World March (3WM) Base Team Alfredo Alfsen from Chile, and the 3WM Philippine Leg organizers Karina Lagdameo Santillan, Genevieve B. Kupang, and Enrique D. Gutierrez.
#BCUforPeace
#BCU4SDG16
#BCUJusticeAndPeace
