Cagayan de Oro City (14 August) -- The Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, with water consciousness activities participated in by students from different schools in the city as among the celebration's highlights.

Among these was an essay-writing contest as well as a poster-making contest.

Under the theme as "Global Warming: A Threat to Our Precious Water Supply," these contests were aimed to create awareness among the youth on the importance of saving water and protecting the environment.

Some 22 students participated in the essay-writing contest held last July 28. Justine Kathryn D. Garcia of St. Mary's Academy grabbed the top spot. Arlo L. Polestico of St. Mary's School won second place, and Arianne June L. Abarquez of Gusa Regional Science High School got the third place.

Consolation prizes were meanwhile awarded to Christie Marie C. Lucagbo of Xavier University, Ara Lyn G. de las Rosa of Philippine Southfield School and Caryl Joyce E. Ecal of Liceo de Cagayan University.

Meanwhile, a Poster-Making Contest was held the following day, July 29. Initiated by COWD, the contest has since been adopted by other water districts throughout the country.

Separate contests were held for the Elementary and High School Level. Thirty-one students competed in the elementary level while twenty-two competed in the high school level.

For the elementary level, Ally Norr G. Yee of Shekinah Glory Academy won first place. Isabel M. Capistrano of International School and Pia S. Lobido of Camaman-an Elementary School won second and third place, respectively.

Consolation prizes were awarded to Lyle Precious L. Cinco of Pilgrim Christian College, Charisse Kim A. Lamberte of Bonbon Elementary School and Clive G. Abellanosa of Canitoan Elementary School.

The high school level had Jeric A. Caasalan of Agusan National High School claim the top spot. Joshua Ramon C. Copino of St. Mary's School and Karissa Grace R. Falcon of Corpus Christi School meanwhile got second and third place.

Felix A. Felesedario of Bugo National High School, Gekie T. Suello of Macabalan Nat'l. High School and Vanessa G. Pimentel Gusa Reg'l. Science H.S. all were given consolation prizes.

The first placers automatically qualify to compete in the regional level scheduled on the last quarter of this year to be sponsored by the Northern Mindanao Water Resources Management Council, Inc. If they win, then they proceed to compete in the national level to be held February 2009 in Cebu City during the PAWD National Convention.