A Canvas of Hope: Filipino Youth Makes History with First Gold at Global Peace Art Competition

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In a world often fractured by conflict, the quiet power of art has managed to bridge divides, and this year, the Philippines stands at the forefront of that bridge. In a historic triumph for the nation, a Filipino student has captured the country’s first-ever Gold Award in Division 3 at the prestigious 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition.

A Historic Brushstroke

Organized by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), the competition was a massive global event, drawing in a staggering 15,932 entries from 40 nations. Amidst this sea of talent, the Philippines carved out a victory that resonates far beyond the canvas.

The spotlight falls on Prince R.M.B. Ikan of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo–Bailen Integrated School, who secured the Gold Award in Division 3. His winning masterpiece offered a vision of the world as it could be: a stirring depiction of a dove rising above people of different races holding hands, symbolizing a unity that transcends borders.

Prince Ikan’s artist statement was as poignant as his brushwork. "Through simple images and calm colors, this drawing delivers a powerful message for all people to understand each other, not to fight, and to be united as one," he explained, adding the rallying cry, "Let’s all become messengers of peace".

A Global Cry for Peace

The competition, centered around the theme "How can we practice peace and make it a reality in our daily lives?", challenged youth to transform abstract hopes into visual reality.

While Prince Ikan secured Gold for the Philippines, the Grand Prize was awarded to Tasfiha Tahsin of Bangladesh. Her work, titled "The Cry for Peace," provided a sobering counterpoint—a moving portrayal of a child praying amidst the devastation of war, symbolizing humanity's desperate longing for tranquility.

Filipino Talent Shines on the World Stage

The Philippines' success was not limited to a single victory. The country proved itself a powerhouse of creative advocacy, with several other young artists earning accolades on this international platform.

Silver Award (Division 1): Althea Cleona Q. Dela Rea (Limay Community School).

Bronze Award (Division 3): Anica Jeine Hiso (Kapalong National High School).

Bronze Award (Division 3): Zaijan V. Sumbong (St. Francis National High School).

Furthermore, Honorable Mentions were awarded to Rafael Joseph Solis (University of Batangas), Prince Marlloyd Sualog (Limay Senior High School), and Frances Cyrus Guzman (Limay Senior High School), proving the depth of artistic talent within the Filipino youth.

Art as a Weapon for Change

The International Loving-Peace Art Competition is designed to be more than a contest; it is a movement to teach children the true meaning of peace through creativity. By expressing empathy and coexistence through art, these students are empowered to become active builders of peace in their own communities.

"Peace is like life, so we must teach it to the youth. These students will grow up to be the changemakers who contribute to global peace," noted Mr. Soon-kyu Hwang, the competition's Head Judge.

IWPG Chairwoman Na Yeong Jeon echoed this sentiment, describing the participants as the "true heroes of our time" and "steadfast seeds" capable of spreading peace globally.

A Legacy of Peace

With this landmark achievement, the Philippines has firmly stamped its mark on the international peace stage. The victory highlights that Filipino youth are not merely talented creators, but powerful messengers capable of envisioning a harmonious future.

The IWPG, a global organization registered with the UN ECOSOC and DGC, continues to empower women and youth across 122 countries, advocating for initiatives like the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). Through the eyes of students like Prince Ikan, the organization’s mission—making peace a daily lifestyle rather than just an ideal—seems closer than ever.

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