Graphics by Arabelle Acebias

Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSAr) students from Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) Main Campus won first and second place in the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region VIII poster-making contest held at Robinsons Place Tacloban on Friday, October 16.

Pepin Josef Turla, a second-year student, secured first place, while Bradlee Vanz Porquez, a fifth-year student, placed second, who are both students of the School of Architecture and Allied Disciplines (SAAD).

The contest carried the theme “TUKLAS PILIPINAS: Statistics as a Beacon for Safe Products, Confident Consumers, and Sustainable Tourism,” challenging participants to translate statistical information into visuals relevant to everyday Filipinos.

The students were coached by Ar. Jethro Oftano, who guided them in preparing for the competition.

In a Facebook post, the SAAD faculty and staff congratulated the two students and encouraged them to continue using their talents to inspire others and create meaningful work through design.

“Your SAAD family celebrates your success and is proud of your accomplishment! Continue to create, inspire, and use your talents to make a meaningful impact through design,” the post read.

In an interview, Turla shared his experience in the competition, describing his nervousness before the results were announced and his reaction to being named the first-place winner.

“I felt nervous as it was my first time joining that kind of competition outside of school. I wondered if my capabilities were enough to even land in the Top 3,” Turla said.

Upon learning that he had won first place, Turla said he felt relieved and gained confidence in his abilities.

“I felt as if a weight on my shoulders had vanished. ‘I can actually do it,’ I thought to myself. I realized with the right amount of effort, I can do what my heart desires to do, no matter how difficult or nerve-wracking it is,” he added.

Turla also serves as a senior arts staff member of The Industrial Wheel, the official tertiary student publication of EVSU – Main Campus.

Article by Jake Sabido