The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), in partnership with C&E Publishing, Inc., successfully held the awarding ceremony for the CEAP EDSA Kwarenta Contest on February 25, 2026 at the EDSA Shrine, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the People Power Revolution.
The contest featured Intermediate and Advanced categories in Essay Writing, Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, and Digital Illustration, drawing almost 300 entries from CEAP member schools across the country. Through their works, young writers and artists reflected on the enduring spirit of EDSA and its relevance to today’s generation.
Leading the awarding ceremony were CEAP Vice President and National Advocacy Chairperson Fr. Wilmer Joseph S. Tria and Executive Director Mr. Narcy F. Ador Dionisio, together with C&E Publishing Product Division Head Ms. Mary Anne Eugenio. Winners received plaques, a cash prize, and book packages from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Book Development Board (NBDB).
In the Intermediate Essay Writing category, First Place was awarded to Andrea Soleil P. Umali of Holy Child Catholic School (NCR). Julia M. Zambale of San Guillermo Academy (Region IV) placed Second, while Jonna Rose A. Sibor of Malasiqui Catholic School (Region I) took Third Place.
For Intermediate Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, Christy Belle T. Garces of Sacred Heart School – Hijas de Jesus (Region VII) won First Place. Antonette Lyris B. Bona of Universidad de Sta. Isabel of Pili, Inc. (Region V) placed Second, and Lloyd Zedric J. Ortiz of Saint Mary’s Academy – Agoo, La Union (Region I) placed Third.
In the Intermediate Digital Illustration contest, Skyla Eve B. Abesamis of Saint Theresa’s College of Quezon City (NCR) secured First Place. Mary Isabelle M. Madamba of Holy Family School of Quezon City (NCR) finished Second, followed by Bianca Francesca G. Sales of Infant Jesus Academy (NCR) in Third Place.
Under the Advanced Essay Writing category, Mischa Angeline V. Mencias of La Salle Greenhills (NCR) emerged as First Place winner. Dominic Craig L. Carpio of Ateneo de Manila University (NCR) placed Second, while Ednaline Garcia of St. Mary’s Academy of Pasay City, Inc. (NCR) placed Third.
For Advanced Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, Zoe Aimee B. Bernales of Holy Family School, QC (NCR) won First Place. Razzia Rayne E. Novilla of Infant Jesus Academy Marikina (NCR) placed Second, and Kurt Louie D. Vispo of Rogationist College (Region IV) placed Third.
In the Advanced Digital Illustration category, Kurt Josef Corpuz of Columban College Inc. – Asinan Campus (Region III) claimed First Place. Christine Margaret N. Mortel of Colegio de San Juan de Letran (NCR) placed Second. Third Place was awarded to Rex Rover P. Liwanag of San Sebastian College–Recoletos (NCR) and Rianne Gabrielle M. Amora of Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu (Region VII).
Serving as judges for the Essay Writing and Pagsulat ng Sanaysay categories were respected figures in Philippine literature and education: Neni Sta. Romana Cruz, former Chairperson of the National Book Development Board; Jaya Jacobo, faculty member at the University of the Philippines Diliman; Teddy Espila, National Book Awards finalist; Juan Carlos Santos, school administrator at the University of Santo Tomas Senior High School Department; Kristian Sendon Cordero, recipient of the Southeast Asian Writers Award; and Emman Barrameda, National Book Awards recipient.
For the Digital Illustration categories, the panel of judges included Joti Tabula, former head of Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA); Raf Banzuela, visual artist and book designer; and Ryan Cuatrona, graphic designer and illustrator for various university presses.
The contest was mounted in collaboration with key institutional partners: C&E Publishing, Inc., the National Book Development Board, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and Premyo Valledor.
The CEAP EDSA Kwarenta Contest stands as a testament to the creativity, critical thinking, and civic consciousness of Catholic school students, affirming that forty years after EDSA, the spirit of truth, courage, and active citizenship continues to live on in the Filipino youth
