The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region X spearheads an online Environmental Art Contest on November in celebration of National Environmental Awareness Month and National Clean Air Month with the theme “New Normal Challenge: Sustainable Actions for Sustainable Future.”

The Environmental Art Contest was participated in by grades 10-12 students in Region X. The activity aimed to increase the level of knowledge of the youth on the various environmental issues and concerns and to showcase the environmental actions of the youth in protecting and conserving the environment and mitigating Climate Change through artwork.

Ms. Chloe Alexandra T. Orteza of Xavier University Senior Highschool emerged as the winner of the Environmental Art Contest. She explained her artwork that through actions, whether simply wearing a mask or riding a bike – is more than enough to help alleviate the predicament the society is now experiencing.

Ms. Andrea Novea Gail I. Guzman of Central Mindanao University Laboratory High School claimed the 2nd place. She said that her artwork’s message shared that despite COVID-19 pandemic, a vision of a sustainable future can be carried even if isolated in our homes through starting small and embracing nature and technology to save and conserve energy by going green and going clean.

The 3rd spot was claimed by Ms. Angelica Kate V. Columnas of Cagayan de Oro National High School. Her artwork inspires the community on the new normal actions as plug to light up our sustainable future.

On the other hand, Mr. Nikolai Bagsac from Agusan National High School garnered the People’s Choice Award by having the greatest number of positive reactions of his artwork posted in the DENR Northern Mindanao page. His artwork paid tribute to the frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The board of judges is composed of DENR X Head Executive Assistant and OIC, Chief, Human Resource Development Section Georgina Padilla, Chief, Information and Communications Technology Unit of the Planning and Management Division Ma. Lapertina Madridano, and Mr. Emmanuel Mulawan-II from the Oro Art Guilds, Cagayan de Oro City.

The top ten artworks were posted at the DENR Northern Mindanao Page for viewing and sharing.(#TayoAngKalikasan #RPAO No. 12-302-2020)