Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) is calling on young Filipino students to showcase their creativity and advocacy through the 54th Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Competition for Young People. Open to all elementary and high school students aged 9 to 15 from both public and private schools nationwide, this prestigious contest provides young writers with a platform to express their thoughts and ideas while advocating for meaningful global causes.
The winning entry will proudly represent the Philippines in the international competition in Berne, Switzerland, competing against the best young letter writers from 192 UPU member countries.
A Call to Protect Our Oceans
This year’s theme is both timely and urgent:
“Imagine you are the ocean. Write a letter to someone explaining why and how they should take good care of you.”
By assuming the persona of the ocean, participants will creatively convey the significance of marine conservation while raising awareness about environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. This theme encourages young minds to engage in critical thinking, sustainability discussions, and global advocacy, aligning with the principles of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Competition Details & Submission Guidelines
Participants must submit a handwritten letter in English with a maximum of 800 words, adhering to proper letter-writing conventions. Each entry must include:
✔️ Place, date, and recipient’s address
✔️ Opening and closing salutations
✔️ The participant’s signature
✔️ Original, AI-free content
Additionally, students must attach a separate information sheet containing:
Word count of the letter
Full name and complete address
Gender, age, and date of birth
A recent 2x2 colored photo
School name, address, and grade/year level
Contact details (mobile/landline)
Attractive Prizes Await the Best Letters
Top entries will receive cash prizes, medals, plaques, and exclusive Philippine stamp albums:
🏆 1st Prize – ₱25,000
🥈 2nd Prize – ₱20,000
🥉 3rd Prize – ₱15,000
All participants will also receive e-certificates of participation via their registered email.
How to Submit Your Entry
📌 Deadline: March 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Late submissions will not be accepted.)
Submission Process:
📩 Mail your original handwritten letter in a brown envelope via Domestic Express Mail Service (DEMS) ONLY to:
📍 UPU 54th International Letter Writing Competition for Young People 2025
Corporate Communications Division – Office of the Postmaster General
Philippine Postal Corporation
Manila Central Post Office Building, Annex II
Magallanes Drive, Liwasang Bonifacio, Barangay 659-A, Ermita, 1000 Manila
🚨 Important: Entries sent via private couriers such as LBC, DHL, 2Go, or JRS Express will be automatically DISQUALIFIED.
📌 Online Registration:
All participants must also register online and upload a scanned copy of their entry (PDF format) and a high-quality photo (PNG/JPEG format) at:
🔗 https://bit.ly/PHLPost2025LetterWriting
Judging Criteria
A panel of experts will evaluate entries based on the following:
✅ Relevance to Theme – 30%
✅ Imagination & Originality – 20%
✅ Writing Style & Communication – 20%
✅ Vocabulary & Expression – 20%
✅ Youthfulness of Tone – 10%
The final winners will be announced no later than March 21, 2025.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers
Beyond fostering literacy and creativity, this annual competition nurtures a sense of social responsibility among young Filipinos, empowering them to voice their thoughts on pressing global issues. By participating, students take an active role in environmental advocacy and youth-led sustainability initiatives—ensuring that their words spark awareness and inspire action.
For further inquiries, visit www.phlpost.gov.ph or follow PHLPost on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PHLPost. You may also contact Ms. Rianne Aybil U. Penaredondo, Acting Chief, Corporate Communications Office of the Postmaster General, via corcom@phlpost.gov.ph.
Let your voice be heard—write, inspire, and make a difference!
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
