COT Students Claim Top Two Spots in West Philippine Sea Digital Poster Challenge

Two Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (EMC) students from Bukidnon State University–College of Technologies earned the top awards in the Digital Poster Challenge for the West Philippine Sea, held in celebration of the 10th West Philippine Sea Victory Day on July 28, 2026.

Margeaux Therese Tulang secured First Place and received a cash prize of ₱3,000 for her digital poster titled “Di Ka Pasisiil.”

According to Tulang, her artwork symbolizes Filipino resilience, unity, and the collective defense of the West Philippine Sea. It features a traditional bangka, maritime vessels, the Philippine flag, and the country’s marine resources. These elements honor Filipino fishermen, citizens, and maritime personnel who protect the nation’s sovereignty, livelihood, and territorial rights.

Tulang said her poster was inspired by the defiant spirit expressed in the Philippine national anthem.

“The poster delivers a clear message: the Filipino people will remain firm in defending the West Philippine Sea and will never submit to threats against the country’s freedom and sovereignty,” she said.

Fellow EMC student Xania Maitri Cabunoc won Second Place and received ₱2,000 for her digital artwork created entirely through Canva.

Cabunoc’s poster presents the possible consequences of losing sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. It features different sectors of society, including fishermen, workers, industry representatives, maritime forces, and the youth, to show that the issue affects every Filipino.

“The artwork emphasizes that the country’s maritime rights are closely connected to food security, employment, economic stability, national heritage, and the future of succeeding generations. It also highlights the shared responsibility of Filipinos in defending the nation’s territory and natural resources,” Cabunoc said.

Sponsored by the 1st Civil Relations Group, a unit of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Digital Poster Challenge aimed to raise public awareness and deepen understanding of the importance of protecting the West Philippine Sea and upholding Philippine sovereignty.

(By LOUIE JAY S. LABASTIDA, COT faculty)