The Life News Agency
December 12, 2023

The "Root for the Three Acts of Goodness Warriors –  14th International Fo Guang Yuan Young Artist Award, ”organized by FGS Foundation for Buddhist Culture & Education, FGY Art Gallery Headquarters, and the “Caring for the Earth's Biodiversity – 6th International Children's Environmental Conservation Drawing Contest,”organized by China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and Master Hsing Yun Cultural and Educational Foundation, were held at Fo Guang Shan's Bacolod Yuan Thong Temple on December 10, with over 140 participants, including 91 outstanding winners from across the Philippines.

Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Bacolod City Hall Councilor Mrs Em Ang, Alene, the school division superintendent of Cadiz City Education Department, Marsette, the school Division Superintendent of the Sagay City Education Department, and others.

Alene, the school division superintendent of Cadiz City Education Department, reveives the "Cloud and Water: A 50 Year Anniversary Photobiography of Master Hsing Yun." photo／The Life News Agency

Among the 91 standout artworks from the Philippines, one-third hailed from Bacolod City and its neighboring areas, showcasing the artistic talents of local students. The event aimed to promote the fusion of artistic creativity and environmental awareness, inspiring students to use their brushes to depict praise for the Three Virtuous Heroes (referring to students excelling in character, academics, and sports) and express their environmental concerns for Earth's diverse life.

Bacolod City Hall Councilor Mrs Em Ang gives a speech. photo／The Life News Agency

Venerable Yong Guang, the head abbess, emphasized that holding the award ceremony at Yuan Tong Temple was to reward and showcase students' outstanding works, providing parents with an opportunity to witness their children's talents and efforts.

Em Ang expressed gratitude for the long-standing support of Bacolod City's mayor and government towards cultural activities, emphasizing the role it plays in nurturing local artistic talents.

Venerable Chueh Lin, the supervisor of Mabuhay Temple in the Philippines, thanked the ongoing support of Bacolod City's government for Yuan Thong Temple. She highlighted the importance of education, noting that Fo Guang Shan's founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, highly values education and established Guang Ming College in the Philippines to sponsor excellent but economically disadvantaged students to pursue higher education. She called for the continued promotion of the Three Virtuous Heroes concept to make the world a better place.

The awards, including the Champion Award and Outstanding Award for the “Root for the Three Acts of Goodness Warriors” –  14th International Fo Guang Yuan Young Artist Award”, as well as the Outstanding Award for the “Caring for the Earth's Biodiversity – 6th International Children's Environmental Conservation Drawing Contest,” were jointly presented by Venerable Chueh Lin, Councilor Mrs Em Ang, and the two education department superintendent. This moment bore witness to the students' hard work and showcased Bacolod City's steadfast support for art and environmental initiatives.

Carla G. Salazar from Cadiz City won the Fo Guang Award in the high school category of the “Root for the Three Acts of Goodness Warriors –  14th International Fo Guang Yuan Young Artist Award.”Carla expressed excitement about her achievement, thanked her coach, and pledged to continue working hard next year.

Carla G. Salazar from Cadiz City wins the Fo Guang Award in the high school category. photo／The Life News Agency

Aquilles, the father of Achuilles Japitan, expressed gratitude for the thoughtful theme of the art competition, allowing children to contemplate and appreciate their surroundings.

The entire award ceremony not only brought glory to the winners but also infused Bacolod City with a rich artistic atmosphere, underscoring the local commitment to art and environmental causes.

The creative opening of the art exhibition featured eight paintings collectively created by a group of students under the guidance of Ven. You Dao at the art gallery before the ceremony, providing the audience with an opportunity to appreciate the students' creativity and ideas. Ven. You Dao and Zhi Rong creatively adorned the student art exhibition, delighting all the attending spectators. The event also succeeded in attracting more participants interested in joining next year's art competition.