Pasig City (7 May) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Singapore Embassy in Manila launched "Postcards Across ASEAN" to promote awareness of ASEAN among elementary students in South East Asia and advocate the idea of a common regional identity.

Secretary Jesli Lapus and Undersecretary Vilma Labrador of DepEd and Assistant Secretary Luis Cruz of DFA led the activity along with ASEAN dignitaries from Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand.

"The art of sending postcards dates back to an era when life was simpler and slower, and when family and friends would send postcards from their foreign travels. I see this project as a revival of the arts," Lapus said.

Meanwhile, 15 of the best postcard entries from the Philippines have been chosen. They were designed by Seanne Daphne Ng and Sarah Sun of St. Jude Catholic School, Mark Anthony Liao and Arjun Sy of Philippine Tiong Se Academy, Justin Paul Tolentino of St. Stephen's High School, Lea Anne Rulloda and Bernabe Privado of A. Regidor Elementary School, Nadazda Yaneza of Antonio Maceda Integrated School, Alvin Salamera of St. Mary Academy, Jollyna Llait of Rodriquez Elementary School, Herniña Kristel Bernardo and Princess Joy Tusi of Pasig Elementary School, Eduardo Pereña, Jr. of A de Febrero Elementary School, Margarette Negro of Bagong Nayon Elementary School, and Chris Damien Betonio III of St. Claire Montessori School (Antipolo). The awardees were given a certificate of recognition, a Ronald McDonalds gift check and a drawing kit.

The awards were handed by Lapus, Singapore Ambassador Lim Kheng Hua and DFA's Cruz.