MAASIN CITY (PIA) -- The vice governor of Southern Leyte province enjoined everyone to always strive a state of peace, even work one’s way to be in such a condition.

“We are working hard to keep the peace,” Vice Governor Rosa Emilia Mercado declared during the culmination activity of the National Peace Consciousness month held at city gym Friday, Sept. 30.

“We have rallied behind in our battle against a pandemic and kept the community steadfast in our recovery from a devastating typhoon,” she added.

The culmination also doubled as the awarding ceremony for the second youth digital creation awards organized by the Provincial Pace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Council for Anti-Trafficking in persons – Violence Against Women and Children (PCAT-VAWC), and Local Youth Development Council (LYDC).

Out of 21 entries submitted to the Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO), 12 were chosen winners based on contents that have bearings on crime prevention and the winners are as follows:

For the Performing Arts, 1st was Padre Burgos Kabataan Kontra Druga at Terorismo (KKDAT) through the Padre Burgos Municipal Police Station;  2nd - Barry Niel Magcosta of Anahawan MPS;  and 3rd - KKDAT - San Juan MPS.

For the Literary Arts , 1st was John Anthony Tomada of Macrohon MPS;  2nd - Bernadette Arnaiz, Maasin City Police Station;  and 3rd - Hazel Joy Juntilla, Bontoc MPS.

For the Short Film, 1st was Saint Joseph College Criminology Department/Maasin CPS;  2nd - KKDAT - Bontoc MPS;  and 3rd, Brgy. Hibod-Hibod Youth Organization/Sogod MPS.

For Visual Arts, 1st was Edrian Anunciado of San Francisco MPS;  2nd - Constantino Padura of Maasin CPS;  3rd - Ernel Cerro Jr. of Liloan MPS.

The judges of the contest were Josilyn Solana, city schools division superintendent; FO3 Natasha Mae Pedemonte of the Bureau of Fire protection; and Maria Gemma Lariosa, a dance and fitness instructor.

The certificates of recognition and cash prizes were handed out by Vice Gov. Mercado, assisted by PCol. Hector Enage, DILG provincial director Danilo Laguitan, and Jonathan Lee, SP member.

“Let us also come together to resolve conflicts and overcome a culture of violence and Mercado further said in her message.  (MMP/PIA Southern Leyte)