03 March 2015 - In observance of the 29^th Anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah held an On-the-Spot Painting Competition among the high school students of Philippine Curriculum Schools in Jeddah on February 20 at its Community Hall. 

The competition was participated in by 19 high school students from Al Dura (GEMS) International School, Bader International School, Durat Al Sharq International School and the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ). Their entry paintings centered on the theme of the celebration, “EDSA 29: Ituloy ang Pagbabago” and were completed within the allotted time of four hours. Most of the paintings strongly depicted scenes from the people power Revolution of 1986 including among others, hands flashing the letter L (“Laban” sign), dove, yellow ribbon, the face of the late President Cory Aquino, people with rosary, soldiers in the streets, and hands clasped together or “kapit-bisig”. They also warmly conveyed the country’s continuing hope for peace and prosperity.

On February 25, in a simple program, the Consulate General commemorated the 29^th Anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution and the winners were announced. Ms. Yara Salah El Din A. Gharib, a fourth year student from IPSJ bagged the 1^st place, while the 2^nd and 3^rd places went to Ms. Chynna M. Tadili, (4^th Year, Bader International School), and Ms. Cybil Faye M. Ong (4^th Year, IPSJ), respectively. On the other hand, the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th places went to Ms. Reham S. Al Sultan (4^th Year, GEMS), Ms. Valerie Nicole D. Estabillo (4^th Year, Durat), and Mr. Mustapha Z. Dandamun (4^th Year, IPSJ), respectively. Philippine Consul General Leo Tito L. Ausan, Jr. awarded trophies, gift items and certificates of award to the top three winners while the fourth, fifth and sixth places received medals, gift items and certificates of award from the Consulate General. Their paintings will be donated to the Consulate General to be publicly displayed in areas accessible to the public.

During the program which was attended by the officers and staff of the Consulate together with the attached agencies, students and principals from Philippine Curriculum schools in Jeddah, parents and some Filipino community members, an overview of 1986 was presented by Vice Consul Jim G. Minglana. The speech of President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA in commemoration of EDSA 29 was read by Consul Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan.

To cap the program, Consul General Ausan appealed to everyone present, especially to the young students, “to draw more than enough inspiration from EDSA 1986 to last for their lifetimes.  This is what shall sustain them in their desire and efforts to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in our country beloved.” END