Brother Paul “San Pablo Alima” from Panglao, Brother Rolan Misa from Dauis, and Brother Ryan Vicera from Maribojoc were declared the top winners in the public speaking competition, while Rommel Caneda from Garcia Hernandez, Billward U. Pacot from Tagbilaran City, and Liza Rojas Cacha from Loon took the top spots in the poetry competition, in an event held on Nov. 4, 2024 to commemorate the 128th birth anniversary of Philippine President Carlos Polestico Garcia, a Boholano poet and statesman.
The event, organized by the Lubas sa Dagang Bisaya (LUDABI), Association of Writers and Radio Announcers Foundation (AWRAFI), Bohol Literary Arts Culture Circle (BLACC), and National Visayan Culture and Arts Inc (NAVISCAI), took place from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Bohol Cultural Center.
The poetry competition’s theme was “Ang Dalaygong Hiyas sa mga Bol-anon,” while the public speaking competition’s theme was “Pagsumpo sa Kahiwian sa Piniliay.”
The event featured an intense competition among poets who showcased the admirable traits of Boholanos through their verses. Notable Catholic Faith Defenders participated in the public speaking competition.
The panel of judges for the public speaking competition included RTC Judge Glenn Pergamino, Retired RTC Judge Jorge Cabalit, LUDABI National President Dr. Fidel P. Coritico, Dr. Jes B. Tirol, and Ronie Orillosa.
The poetry competition was judged by Ardy Ines Araneta-Batoy, Tatay Billy Tongco, Ronie Orillosa, and Atoy Cosap.
The organizers extended their invitation to all church activists, various organizations and associations, especially those advocating for sacred elections, teachers, youth, SK chairpersons and officials, barangay officials, municipal officers, and the general public who witnessed the poetry and public speaking competition.
The event was revived and promoted by RTC Judge Glenn Pergamino through LUDABI, AWRAFI, BLACC, and NAVISCAI, with support from the Center for Culture and Arts Development of the Province of Bohol, led by OIC Emerson Pinos.
The organizers also thanked the Provincial Government of Bohol, CCAD, Sir Ronie Orillosa, Bohol Tribune, DYTR Open Forum, and The Newsmakers, Ardy Batoy, Cong Edgar M. Chatto, Cong Alexie Kristine Tutor, Mayor Jane Yap-Tagbilaran City, ICM, BQ, Atty Philip de la Torre, and the judges for their support.