By Mary Therese D. Ancheta and Dianne G. Calantoc
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and the Department of Education – Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (DepEd-SDOIN) honored young Ilocano artists during the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2025 Poster-Making Contest Awarding Ceremony held at the DepEd-SDOIN office on October 13.
With the theme “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan, Panatag na Karagatan,” the contest aimed to strengthen maritime awareness among the youth by promoting a deeper understanding of the Philippines as a maritime and archipelagic nation.
Eighteen entries from seven schools across the province were submitted for the competition, including Bingao National High School, Bacarra National Comprehensive High School, Paoay Lake National High School, Paoay National High School, Catagtaguen National High School, Dingras National High School, and Sarrat National High School.
Lawyer Donato Balderas, DepEd-SDOIN schools division superintendent, expressed appreciation for the partnership, saying the contest goes beyond art as it instills national pride and awareness of the country’s territory and sovereignty.
“Indeed, we are happy and honored to celebrate MANA Mo Month through artistry. In this way, we become more aware of our environment, our territory, and our rights as Filipinos,” Balderas said.
Meanwhile, NICA regional director Plormelinda Olet highlighted the importance of educating the youth about the country’s maritime domain and sovereignty issues.
“We want the youth to have a deeper understanding of why we must defend our territory and protect our marine resources. Through activities like this, they can express their patriotism and love for the country through art,” Olet said.
Olet also commended the students’ participation despite the limited preparation time due to recent typhoons.
“Even with a short preparation time, the response was overwhelming. These artworks reflect their love for the country and support for government programs. Through art, their voices are heard,” she said.
The top prize went to Hans Jackson Padasdao of Bacarra National Comprehensive High School, whose poster depicted the unity of Filipinos in protecting the nation’s marine life and sovereignty.
“I finished this artwork in just two days. The challenge was time management because of ongoing school activities. In our country, other nations continue to challenge our territorial rights, which inspired me to create this piece. To my fellow artists, keep creating from the heart,” Padasdao shared.
His artwork, painted in the colors of the national flag, symbolizes unity and patriotism in safeguarding the Philippines’ maritime domain and resources.
Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, who graced the awarding ceremony, praised the students for using their creativity to promote environmental and national awareness.
“It is good that you have put on canvas your interpretation of our marine resources and our duty to protect them. We are blessed with a vast coastline, and this awareness among the youth is vital,” Araneta-Marcos said.
The event showcased the creativity of young Ilocano artists and reminded the youth of their role in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and marine wealth.
Through the MANA Mo celebration, the initiative instills in young Filipinos a deeper appreciation of the country’s maritime heritage and its importance in sustaining peace, prosperity, and unity across the archipelago. (CCMT/MTDA/DGC, PIA Ilocos Norte)
