10-year-old Filipina Wins First Ever Essay-writing Contest About Peace

Geneva, Switzerland — Ten-year old Filipina Ana Patricia Dela Rosa won the first ever essay-writing competition about “What Peace Means To Me?”, organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to raise awareness about global concerns among the young generation.

Ana received her award from the IPU Secretary-General himself, Mr. Martin Chungong, and read her winning essay in front of all Member State representatives and delegations at the IPU Global Conference held on October 21.

“The Philippine Mission and the members of the Philippine delegation who attended the IPU Global Conference in Geneva are very proud of Ana for winning the competition. We take pride in her achievement and in how her essay reflected Filipino values such as the importance of having strong family ties, resiliency and maintenance of smooth interpersonal relationships which she cited as important elements for peace,” said Ambassador Cecilia B. Rebong, Permanent Representative of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, who was present at the awarding ceremony held in Geneva.

Also present at the awarding ceremony were Senator Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III, Congressman Joselito Mendoza, Representative of the 3rd District of Bulacan and Phlippine Minister and Consul General Enrico Fos.

IPU introduced all year six students of the International School of Geneva to global issues, in particular to peace and conflict issues. Upon completion of their presentation, IPU invited the students to write an essay about peace. An independent group of editors from the IPU reviewed all 72 entries, the winner of which would be given the chance to attend the 133rd IPU Global Conference in Geneva.

Ana is the daughter of Filipino couple Anthony Dela Rosa, who works as an IT professional at the Joint United Nations Programmes on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and Christine Dela Rosa.

The 2nd IPU essay-writing contest will be held in Zambia in March 2016. (DFA)