THE Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality has announced the winners of its storm drain mural painting contest for high school and college students.
In honor of 2021 Environmental Awareness Month, contestants were given the opportunity to paint a message that raises awareness about the effects that littering has on the ocean.
This year’s theme was “A Clean Environment for a Healthy Community.”
The agency noted that water from all over the island flows down storm drains, taking with it all of the trash and pollution from watersheds.
These eventually end up in the ocean where people swim and fish.
High school and college students were encouraged to submit their storm drain art to the agency for a chance to win monetary prizes: $200 for first place, $100 for second place, $75 for third place, and $50 for each of five honorable mentions.
This year, Marylyn Cepeda won first place; Joan Tomokane, second place; and Mikyla Capalad, third place.
Rosemarie Faisao, Xin Yi Ni, Kayla San Nicolas, Ignasia Sablan, and Kina Julia Camacho all received honorable mentions.
Students will also receive service learning or community service hours for this event.
The BECQ Storm Drain Committee will provide paint and other materials for the contestants.
Painting began in April, with all participants advised to practice the 3 Ws: Wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.
BECQ encourages community members in the Garapan area to help share a flash photo on-site when passing by these murals to help inform the local community and visitors about the existing connection between storm drains, pollution, and the impacts they have on aquatic life.
The agency also extended their appreciation to Kagman High School art teacher Peter Aldan, Kinpachi Restaurant management/Sonya Siwa of PDM Promoters, as well as family and friends of the artists for helping to make the event a success.
Marylyn Cepeda’s storm drain mural is the first-place winner of this year’s Environmental Awareness Month art competition.
BECQ photo
