CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- March 5 is a red letter day for the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as they hold the Grand Finals of “LiKhALIKASAN: Likhang Awit para sa Kalikasan” at The Event Center of SM City Pampanga.
“The contest seeks to instill awareness on positive behaviors and perspectives as resiliency safeguards against the effects of climate change; promote environmental awareness, protection and preservation; and recognize people empowerment and involvement towards measures leading to preserving the well-being of the environment as act of protecting not just it but more so protecting people’s lives,” PIA Regional Director William Beltran said.
It is the culminating activity in Central Luzon of the yearlong national climate change adaptation and mitigation advocacy campaign of DENR and PIA, which carries the brand “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago!”
10 finalists were chosen from dozens of entries submitted by budding composers from all seven provinces of the region.
Those who made the cut include “Let’s Make It Stay” by Mark Vincent Duero of Angeles City, “Kahanga-hangang Pilipinas” by Clement Samin Dela Cruz of Tarlac City, “Habang May Oras Pa” by Kenneth Quiambao Macapugay of City of San Fernando, “Pagtugon” by Ver Mercado Orquia of Angeles City and “Panahon Na” by Noel Manzano of Baler, Aurora.
Completing the list are “Kalikasan” by Jimmary Clavo of Iba, Zambales; “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago” by Frederic Buenaventura of Baliuag, Bulacan; “Tayo na sa Pagbabago” by Jay Garcia Gopez of City of San Fernando, “Ngunit bakit ganito?” by Darwin James Singca of Orani, Bataan; and “Tabing Ilog” by Aaron Rondilla of Samal, Bataan.
Entries will be judged in the finals based on the following criteria: Originality and Creativity (songwriting style, technique, skill) – 30%, Lyrics (emotional appeal, message appropriateness to theme)- 30%, Melody (recall, strength)- 30%, and Overall Appeal (suitability as recording and environmental advocacy material)- 10%.
The grand winner takes home P30,000 and plaque while the second and third placers shall be awarded with P20,000 and P10,000, respectively and plaque.
Seven other finalists, on the other hand, will each receive P5,000 and plaque. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)
