BY GERARD NAVAL

AN environmental group, Winner Foundation, yesterday sought to raise ecological awareness by arming children with crayons, paintbrushes and illustration boards in an art competition held at the Arroceros Forest Park.

According to Regina Paterno, the Foundation’s president, involving the youth is crucial in sustaining the war on the effects of climate change in the country.

"They (children) are the future. By initiating creative and fun activities like this art contest, we hope to instill among the young ones love for the environment and awareness for the need to protect and preserve trees, animals, water and other parts of our natural environment," she said.

The event is one of a series of activities lined up in celebration of Earth Day tomorrow.

Almost 100 boys and girls, aged four to 12, drew raves for their interpretation of the event’s theme: "Water Is Life."

Buboy Dinapo, a professional artist, said getting his children involved in activities such as the art competition has had a positive effect on his three sons, all of whom were participants in the last eco-tilt in 2005.

"Mula nung sumali sila nung 2005, lagi silang nagtatanong tungkol sa environment. Lalo na ngayon na may mga commercial na sa TV tungkol sa global warming. Kaya ngayon ay sumali ulit sila," Dinapo said. His children are aged five, eight and 10.

Students from the Vella Damian School of Ballet and the Harmony Band lent a festive mood by performing "The Dance of the Water Sprites" and South Sea Islands songs.

The park was adorned with booths selling second-hand books, vegetarian food, art works with environmental themes and other pro-environment paraphernalia.