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ππππππππππ | TAU's BSDevCom grad bags award in 'Bagong Pilipinas' writing tilt
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A deep sense of pride in Filipino history and a desire to see a better future for the Philippines prompted Mr. Kenedy De Guzman Agustin, a Bachelor of Science in Development Communication (BSDevCom) cum laude graduate from the Tarlac Agricultural University's College of Arts and Sciences (TAU-CAS), to write what he felt about the current challenges the country is facing, and proposed solutions that could lead to a more inclusive, just, and sustainable society.
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His heart-rending piece titled "Haraya: A Vision of Hope for Bagong Pilipinas" landed a winning spot at the Presidential Communications Office (PCO)-sponsored nationwide essay-writing contest anchored in the βBagong Pilipinasβ campaign of the administration.
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Organized in November last year for enrolled college students in the country, the contest sought articles that would best feature "the Filipino youthβs aspirations for a Bagong Pilipinas, or the inspirational spirit that will enable this call-to-action realization, among many other narratives the writer wants to communicate."
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In an online interview, the 22-year-old native of Mangatarem, Pangasinan revealed that he joined the contest because he wanted "to voice my vision for a better Philippines and engage with others who share similar aspirations. It was a platform to advocate for meaningful change and inspire others to envision a brighter future together."
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His piece envisions a "Bagong Pilipinas" that honors Filipino historical legacy, promotes inclusivity and social justice, reforms education to foster critical thinking, drives economic and social progress, and emphasizes environmental sustainability.
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"It calls for collective effort and dedication to build a brighter future for all Filipinos," Agustin added.
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When asked what inspired him to write his winning article, Mr. Agustin disclosed that from a tender age, he was fueled by an unwavering passion and determination which has led him to an unrelenting pursuit of exploration and comprehension of the world around him.
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"This tenacious dedication drives my commitment to contributing positively to our society, striving to create a future where inclusivity, justice, and sustainability are not just ideals but realities for all Filipinos," he said.
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Ken, as he is fondly called by his peers, began his journey in journalism during his elementary days, where he developed a passion for storytelling and reporting. Throughout high school, he focused on science writing, exploring topics that captivated his interest. However, during Senior High School, he shifted his focus to other endeavors, temporarily stepping away from journalism to pursue different endeavors.
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But he just can't get away from writing, and winning. Prior to this award from PCO, he earned second place in AVISOC, the largest Southeast Asian student competition, as his entry was recognized in the category of Issues in Digital Literacy and Information, highlighting his dedication to exploring and addressing contemporary challenges in this field.
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He admitted that he felt overwhelmed with joy and gratitude when he received on 10 July the notification that he was among the winners of the said national writing contest. "I attribute my success to God, whose guidance has been my anchor. To my parents, I am incredibly thankful for their unwavering support and belief in me and to Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), I am grateful for the opportunities and education that have shaped my journey toward this achievement," Mr. Agustin said.
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According to Mr. Agustin, per email from PCO, the winning entries for the "Bagong Pilipinas" essay-writing contest will be formally announced and recognized with their respective rankings tentatively on 24 July in Manila.
Article and Poster | Information Unit