PCG: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announces its first Essay Writing Contest for Filipino high school students in celebration of the Japan Official Development Assistance's (ODA) 60th Anniversary in the Philippines.

The contest is anchored on the theme, “Japan ODA in the lives of Filipinos” aimed to highlight the importance of young people in strengthening Japan-Philippines friendship and cooperation in 1,500 words or less.

The contest focuses on the youth’s point of view on JICA’s role in the Philippine dynamic development through the years.

Winners will receive Php 15,000 cash for the first prize, Php 10,000 for the second prize, Php 7,000 for the third prize while two consolation prize winners will receive Php 5,000 cash each.

All interested high school students can send their entries to JICA Philippines at 40th Floor Yuchengco Tower, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City or through e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The competition runs up to 11 July 2014 at 12 midnight only.

For more inquiries of the contest’s mechanics and downloadable entry form, please click the link below.

http://www.jica.go.jp/philippine/english/office/topics/oda60anniversary02.html