In celebration of World Water Day, Normalite Jason Banono (Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Integrated Marketing Communication and Press Relations II) won the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office (RO) 7’s regional on-the-spot painting contest last March 20, 2023.
Different Cebu-based colleges and universities participated in the contest which centered on the theme, “Accelerating Change to Solve the Water and Sanitation Crisis.”
In an interview with Ang Suga, Banono shared that representing Cebu Normal University (CNU) was a “healthy pressure” that pushed him to do his best and aim for victory.
“I feel proud representing the name of the university because not everyone can have that opportunity. It is an honor to do so,” he said.
Banono furthered that he was hesitant to accept the offer because the contest proper fell on the day of the midterm examinations.
However, he embraced the challenge and was able to paint a masterpiece in line with the theme within almost four hours.
“My artwork emphasizes that clean water should be accessible by everyone, from highly urban cities to the most far-flung areas that need them equally,” stated Banono.
He added that the water and sanitation crisis is an issue that cannot be fixed temporarily by bandage solutions.
“It sends a message that while we are obliged to help conserve water and not leave a negative impact on the environment, we can only do so much in bringing out real impactful change. A collaborative work between authorities and citizens is a must,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, DILG-7’s Engr. John Arnold Reluya and Josh Almonte from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) bagged second and third place, respectively.
World Water Day is held annually every March 22 to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and tackle the global water crisis in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. §
Words by Jonalyn Infante
Photos grabbed from DILG-7 Facebook page
