On September 8, 2025, Ameedelah Castillo (Grade 12 – STEM), under the guidance of her coach Mr. Jan Kenneth Mendoza, emerged as Champion in the Poster Making Contest during the 34th Anniversary Celebration of the Surallah Water District (SWD) held at Emily’s Pension House Function Hall, Surallah, South Cotabato.

The interschool competition gathered Senior High School students from both public and private institutions in Surallah, all competing under the theme “Watershed Preservation.” The theme reflected the urgent call to protect natural resources, recognizing the watershed’s vital role in sustaining biodiversity, ensuring a clean and safe water supply, and safeguarding the well-being of future generations.

Castillo’s winning entry was lauded for its striking balance of artistry and advocacy. With every stroke, she transformed environmental concerns into a vivid visual narrative, using meaningful symbols and vibrant colors to emphasize that watersheds are lifelines of communities. Judges commended the poster not only for its artistic quality but also for the profound message it carried—showing how art can inspire awareness, reflection, and collective action.

The contest was more than a showcase of talent; it was a celebration of youth creativity, environmental responsibility, and civic engagement. By empowering students to express their advocacy through art, the Surallah Water District reminded the community that preservation begins with education, awareness, and the proactive voices of the younger generation.

For HCCCI, Castillo’s victory is both a source of pride and an affirmation of the institution’s mission to cultivate learners who excel academically, nurture their talents, and contribute meaningfully to social and environmental issues.

This achievement also finds strong resonance with the aspirations of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in advancing environmental stewardship and quality education. By highlighting the importance of watershed preservation, the contest fostered greater awareness of the need to protect water sources and ensure the sustainable access to safe and clean water, aligning with the call of SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. At the same time, the initiative inspired young people to actively participate in climate advocacy and local efforts that promote ecological balance, contributing to SDG 13: Climate Action. The focus on watersheds further emphasized their indispensable role in maintaining biodiversity and sustaining healthy ecosystems, reflecting the priorities of SDG 15: Life on Land. Equally important, the competition provided a meaningful educational experience where classroom learning was extended into real-world advocacy, enabling students to use their knowledge and creativity to become agents of change—an embodiment of SDG 4: Quality Education.

The event also underscored the transformative power of art in advancing social and environmental consciousness. While policies may inform the mind, art has the unique ability to move the heart, inspire reflection, and drive collective action. Castillo’s poster exemplified this truth, proving that creativity, when coupled with a deep sense of responsibility, can shape public understanding and strengthen community resolve for sustainability.

As the Surallah Water District marked its 34th Anniversary, the poster-making contest stood as one of its most meaningful highlights—an affirmation that the youth, through their creativity and sense of purpose, play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future. Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. takes great pride in congratulating Ameedelah Castillo and her coach, Mr. Jan Kenneth Mendoza, for bringing honor not only to the institution but also to the wider Surallah community. Their victory is a testament to how excellence, creativity, and responsibility can work hand in hand to advance the common good and to inspire hope for generations to come.