The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) is inviting elementary and high school students nationwide, ages 9 to 15, to participate in the 54th Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Competition for Young People.

In a statement, PHLPost said that the winning entry will represent the Philippines in the worldwide competition in Berne, Switzerland.

The annual contest, organized by PHLPost under the auspices of the UPU, which comprises 192 countries, including the Philippines, asks young people to write a letter on the theme “Imagine you are the ocean. Write a letter to someone explaining why and how they should take good care of you.”

It encourages participants to creatively express their thoughts on the importance of ocean conservation, reflect on global issues, and propose sustainable solutions aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development principles.

The tilt also urges critical thinking about issues like climate change, poverty, inequality, education, and healthcare and to envision a future where these challenges are addressed through collective action and innovation.

PHLPost said the initiative promotes creativity and literacy among youth while raising awareness about environmental issues, encouraging the next generation to engage in ocean health advocacy.

Compositions must be recent, original, handwritten letters in English, no more than 800 words, and adhere to the theme. Entries must include the elements of a letter: place, date, addressee’s address, opening and closing salutations, and signature. All entries must be original and not generated by AI tools. The contest committee reserves the right to verify originality.