Cebu Normal University (CNU) bagged the top awards in the Spoken Word Poetry (English and Bisaya) and Short Film categories during the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Clean Air Month Culmination at SM City Cebu’s Activity Center.

Trisha Heart Sumalinog (BEEd I) and Syver Talingting (BSEd Science II) were hailed as champions in both English and Bisaya category of Spoken Word Poetry.

Sumalinog’s “Who is the Real Villain?” spoke of humanity’s blaming game instead of taking action to combat global warming; while “Akong Pagtaghoy, Akong Dangoyngoy” by Talingting made a remarkable impact related to the environment.

In an interview, Sumalinog said that she used the perspective of global warming to send out a message that people are the one at fault and should stop pointing fingers.

Talingting, on the other hand, shared the struggles of preparation due to the short time frame given to finalize her piece.

Meanwhile, BSEd Science II students Zainon Yaun, Windelyn De Lima, James Edward De Real, Abigail Jonafhe Maque, Karine Grace Martinez, and Maria Eloiza Tomaquin, were victors in the Short Film Making Contest, which aimed to provide solutions in combating air pollution.

For the Digital Poster Making Contest, Jenny Rhea Villaver and Anthony James Yaun, both from BSEd Science II, won first prize.

Villaver and Yaun’s digital posters included the harmful activities of humans which contribute to air pollution, as well as the ways in which the effects of such doings can be reversed to achieve sustainability.

Additionally, CNU was awarded the second place in the National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools.

Clean Air Awareness

Forester Eduardo M. Inting, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7, said that, “It is important not only to celebrate Clean Air Month during the month of November, but it would be much better if we put [it] in our hearts and celebrate it every day of the year.”

Besides, Chairman of Metro Cebu Airshed Governing Board, Engr. Oscar S. Ma, also said that since air is an essential for life, we need to regulate, preserve, and protect the air that we breathe.

The annual event might be mandated to be celebrated by the officials, but its significance can make realizations for the environment.

“Through this event, we are spreading awareness [and] the importance of having clean air; not only to LGUs, but sa mga students, so ma-educate na sa ilang mga hunahuna [and be aware of] the importance of the environment,” Mr. Arthur Nino Calupig, Environmental Management Specialist II, said in an interview with Ang Suga.

The celebration brought together representatives from different schools to compete and participate in the educational and engaging activities.

The following is the list of winners from the activities and special awards during the culmination:

Spoken Word Poetry (English)
Champion: Trisha Heart Sumalinog, Cebu Normal University
First runner-up: Kyla Marie Asibuque, University of Cebu – Banilad
Second runner-up: Casey Divine Donayre, Cebu Normal University

Spoken Word Poetry (Bisaya)
Champion: Syver Talingting, Cebu Normal University
First runner-up: Larabel Iway, Cebu Normal University
Second runner-up: Charles Christian Tunacao, University of Cebu – Lapu Lapu Mandaue

Short Film Making
Champion: Cebu Normal University

Digital Poster Making
Champion: Andre Guinita, University of Cebu – Lapu Lapu Mandaue
First runner-up: Jenny Rhea Villaver & Anthony James Yaun, Cebu Normal University
Second runner-up: Henry Madrona, University of San Carlos Talamban Campus

Words by Phebe Soronio, Orly Joromat, and Lorille Mata
Photos by Bruce Borja