Elementary Student wins UNFAO award

STO. TOMAS, Davao del Norte—An elementary pupil from Sto. Tomas Central Elementary School-Sped Center won as the country’s best in the recently concluded nationwide on-the-spot mosaic making contest that was jointly sponsored by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) and the Department of Agriculture.

Bearing the theme: “Family Farming: Feeding the world, Caring for the earth”, the nationwide on-the-spot mosaic making event was held last October 10 at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Center in Diliman, Quezon City.

The annual event was one of the activities for the observance of World Food Day 2014 slated on October 16 as declared by the United Nations.

Carl Lenn M. Nasayao, 12, and a grade six pupil, bested other 15 participants coming from various regions in country.

In a phone interview Monday, Nasayao said that he is happy because his hard work and perseverance have paid off.

“I am very happy this time because after countless hours of trainings the fruits of my labor have been rewarded after I won the competition. I offer this honor to God, to my coach Sir Sasam, my family and to my STCES family,” Nasayao said.

Nasayao is the fourth pupil from Sto. Tomas Central Elementary School to win the UNFAO national mosaic competition. Other pupils who won previously were: Jasper Kent Villarias (2009); Lucilo Vince Lapiz (2011) and  Angelie Galos (2013).

In a text message to DavaoToday, STCES School Principal Plutarco B. Logrono and District Coordinating Principal Benny E. Batoon commended Nasayao and Sasam for their achievement.

Nasayao’s coach Jerry Ben Sasam told DavaoToday that Nasayao’s mosaic piece was adjudged as the best among the other selected entries because of the unique “infinity symbolism used by Nasayao to depict this year’s theme.”

“Carl Lenn’s artwork highlights the symbolic infinity icon that visualizes the unending supply and demand for food,” said Sasam.

He explained that Nasayao’s mosaic piece depicts the role of family farming by focusing on their significant contribution which is eradicating hunger and poverty, providing good security and nutrition, improving livelihoods, managing natural resources and protecting the environment.

According to Sasam, Nasayao received a cash prize of P24, 000 including a 3-day educational tour to various historical landmarks in Metro Manila and other places such as Tagaytay, Angono, Rizal and Cavite.

The formal awarding ceremony will be on October 16 in time for the World Food Day at the Liwasang Aurora Quezon in Diliman, Quezon City. (davaotoday.com) By MART D. SAMBALUD

Del Norte Del Norte & Del Sur News Photos RXI 2:14 AM