are launching an essay writing contest in connection with the 110th Philippines Independence Day on June 12.
The theme is “The Ties that Bind: Exploring the Historic Connections of the United States, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Republic of the Philippines,” and the contest is open to 9th to 12th grade students in the CNMI.
“The contest provides an excellent opportunity to explore and reaffirm the depth of the historic ties that have long existed between the NMI, the United States and the Philippines,” according to the members of the ad-hoc committee for the contest.
San Vicente Elementary School teacher Jaime Vergara, former Humanities Council board member Carmen Gaskin and Philippine Consul Belinda Ante comprise the committee.
In a press conference yesterday at his office, Philippine Consul General Wilfredo D.L. Maximo said he hopes the contest will “rekindle the interest of the local youth” about the relationship between the U.S./CNMI and the Philippines.
Gaskin said they expect the participating students to discuss the relevance of the historical ties between the islands and the Southeast Asian country.
NMI Council for the Humanities Executive Director Paz C. Younis said their collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General has been very fruitful.
“We want to see the youth reflect on U.S/CNMI-Philippine relationship,” she said.
An entry must have at least 500 words but should not exceed 1,500 words. It should be written in English and submitted to the Humanities Council on May 30. Call 235-4785 for more information.
The top three essays will be selected.
The grand prize is a round-trip ticket for two to Manila, which includes a tour of the Malacañang palace and a chance to meet with Philippine President President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Second place will get a cash prize of $300 while the third placer will receive $200.
Maximo said the winning entry will be announced after the flag raising ceremony during the consulate’s Independence Day celebration on June 12.
