World Food Day poster making cites the importance of water for food production

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas highlighted water’s significance as a critical element in agriculture and food production at the 2023 World Food Day Regional On-the-Spot poster Making Contest held on September 26 at Casa Real, Iloilo City.

The competition centered on the theme “Water is life. Water is food. Leave No One Behind” was participated by 20 pupils from the provinces of Aklan, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental who were endorsed by the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office 6.

DA Western Visayas’ Regional Information Officer James Earl Ogatis said that the agency spearheads the annual WFD celebration through the conduct of a poster making contest in coordination with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) every October 16.

Ogatis said, “At the DA, we are committed to ensuring safe, sufficient, and affordable food for all. As we navigate challenges such as the El Niño phenomenon, we are intensifying our efforts to boost food production. Through this poster contest, we anticipate fresh perspectives from our young artists as they interpret the theme.”

He added that the agency invited the Grade 5 and 6 pupils from public and DepEd-accredited private schools regionwide.

During the event, Felina Grace Basco, Iloilo’s supervising aquaculturist, shared her insights with the participants, emphasizing the power of art as a tool for education and awareness. She urged everyone to not only celebrate World Food Day but also reflect on the indispensable role of farmers and fisherfolk, who work tirelessly to produce food. She stressed that these individuals often rank among the most marginalized in society and appealed for collective support to bolster the agriculture and fisheries industries.

Highlighting their over two-decade partnership in organizing the WFD poster-making contest, Jude Thaddeus Iledan, Chief of DepEd Region 6 Field Technical Assistance Division, underscored the vital role played by the DA in establishing, sustaining, and advancing their farm schools and home gardening initiatives.

He noted, “these projects are aimed at promoting sustainability, agricultural productivity, and economic progress, all pivotal aspects of educational success in which we play active roles.”

The posters submitted were assessed based on criteria encompassing originality (30%), creativity (30%), visual impact (20%), and relevance to the theme (20%).

Gwen Raylene Ereje of Talisay South Elementary School, Negros Occidental emerged as champion and whose artwork will compete at the national level on October 5 in DA Central Office, Quezon City.

Meanwhile, Nel Christian Cape of Talisay Elementary School, Negros Occidental and Kennie Jae Hermocillas of Ticud Elementary School, La Paz, Iloilo City won the second and third spots, respectively.

The panel of judges, featuring Iledan from DepEd and Victorico Nabor, Engr. Ian Senobin, Ryan Rasgo, and Engr. Kevin Fernandez , resident artists of DA Western Visayas, evaluated the artworks.### Texts by Sheila Mae H. Toreno & Photos by Jerem V. De Guzman/DA-RAFIS 6