A visual artist from Angeles, Pampanga bested his rivals and claimed the top prize in the inaugural art competition "Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong" spearheaded by the Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office and non-government group Sentro Artista.

With his masterpiece titled "We are one family or Isang Pamilya Tayo," Angeles-native Eduardo Perreras clinched the P1 million grand prize during the awarding ceremony held last week at the Greenhills Mall in San Juan City.

No less than First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and PCSO general manager Mel Robles awarded the prize to Perreras, who said that the piece he had drawn was based on personal experience as he never backs down on helping others.

"Based on the PCSO theme, it emphasized the true nature of the Filipinos for being helpful with each other during difficult times," said Perreras.

Meantime, Robles congratulated all the winners saying the art competition was a resounding success that embodied what the PCSO is all about — charity to all.

Bagging the first runner-up and a cash prize of P250,000 was Pastor Wilfredo Labana from Calbayog City, Samar. Third place and P 150,000 richer was Richard Dela Cruz, who traces his roots in Oton, Iloilo.

Prior to the awarding ceremony, the First Lady, Robles, actress Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde, Sentro Artista co-founder Jay Ruiz and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora led the traditional ribbon cutting to start the program.

QC First District Representative Juan Carlos Atayde, Mayor Joy Belmonte and Third District Councilor Dr. Geleen Lumbad also graced the event.