Essay-writing contest on interfaith dialogue launched for RP students

A group advocating interfaith dialogue and the Department of Education have launched an essay-writing competition for students that deals with the promotion of an open dialogue among various faiths and religions. The National Organizing Committee (NOC) of the Special Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development (Snammm) together with the DepEd will begin accepting entries for the competition. The contest’s theme is “Interfaith Initiatives: What It Means to Me and to My Country." The nationwide essay writing contest is open to any high school students enrolled in any public and private secondary schools recognized by DepEd for the school year 2009-2010. “Interfaith initiatives have been a cornerstone of Philippine policy," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. “This will mark the first time that the NAM (non-aligned movement) will harness the great potentials of interfaith dialogue and cooperation to advance the cause for a durable and lasting peace and sustainable development not only in the Philippines and around the world," it added. Winners will be awarded trophies, certificates and cash prizes. First prize will receive P20,000; second prize will receive P15,000; the third prize will receive P10,000; and seven consolation prizes of P2,000 each. The winners shall be notified via mail/e-mail and shall be presented with an award during the course of the ministerial meeting on December 1-3, 2009. For more information contact the DepEd Special Events Unit located at Room 505 Bonifacio Building, DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City at tel. nos. (02) 637-5832 and (02) 637-5834, and e-mail address osec_seu@yahoo.com for further information. - Joseph Holandes Ubalde, GMANews.TV