A 21-year-old representative of Ilocos Norte tops the maiden Poster Making Contest of the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Region I (DILG-R1) with her outstanding portrayal of peacebuilding between the national government and militant groups as a key to social transformation.
“Sir Weenter Ventura of Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office encouraged me to join the contest. I was hesitant because it is my first time joining a region-wide contest. But with the support that my loved ones gave me and my love for the arts, I was able to create an exceptional piece,” Christine Joy D. Visco said.
Visco, a resident of Pasuquin town but is currently living in Laoag City, is pursuing her dream of becoming an interior designer at the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City.
Her artwork outshined the other 14 entries from the different provinces of Region I.
Anchored with the theme: Nag-iisang Adhikain para sa Makabuluhan at Progresibong Kapayapaan, Visco envisioned a reconciliation to end the decades-long insurgency in the country.
“The poster represents the CPP-NPA-NDF [Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front] and the Philippine National Government restoring allegiance for peacebuilding. The dove symbolizes peace while the scale represents equality and balance of both for the militant group and the Philippine Government for peacebuilding and whole nation progress.”
Aside from being an aspiring professional artist, Visco is actively participating in various youth activities in the province. Among her socio-civic engagements include being a member of Sirib Ilocano Kabataan Association (SIKA), a Sirib Young Leaders Scholar, and a youth volunteer.
As one of the peacebuilders in her community, she further advised her fellow youth to do the “3 KEEPs.”
“Keep participating for community development. Keep shining like the stars. And keep in mind the BPNP or Be Positive, No Negative.”
Visco bagged a Php 10,000.00 cash prize, a plaque, and a token. She will represent the entire Ilocos Region at the national level of the contest.
The first Poster Making Contest of DILG-R1 was part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP) cluster of the Regional Task Force-Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) efforts to settle peace agreement with the militant group.—Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO
