DAMMAM, 21 February 2006 — Al-Andalus International School (AAIS) and the International Philippine School in Alkhobar (IPSA) emerged as winners in a speech contest held here recently for Filipino students in the Eastern Region.

Organized by the Saudi Arabian Hiligaynon (SAHI) in coordination with the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) and Friends Toastmasters Club, the SAHI First Oratorical and Extemporaneous Speaking Contest had for its theme “OFWs: Partners for Philippine Progress.”

April Marique of Al-Andalus International School (AAIS) topped the oration for high school students with her speech “My Life as an OFW,” portraying the difficulties Filipino domestic helpers have to go through abroad to make life better for their loved ones.

Jelorie Gallego of the International Philippine School in Alkhobar (IPSA) took second place for her “In Defense of the OFWs” speech.

Placing third was PSD’s Ryan Kristofer Arana, whose speech “OFWs, the True Leaders of our Nation” lamented that the “Bagong Bayani” or “new heroes” in the Middle East have no flag-carrier to speak of with the recent pullout of the Philippine Airlines from the region.

In the elementary level, Wynona Van Joy Buot of AAIS grabbed the first place in oration with her piece “My Father, the OFW.”

Second place went to another AAIS student, Jhoanna Mae Guevara, for her speech titled “A Filipino Nurse, the Demand of the 21st Century.”

Althea Bianca Cabasco of Excellence International School (EIS) took third place with her “OFWs, I’m Proud of You” speech.

In the extemporaneous speech contest for high school, IPSA’s Jelorie Gallego took the title and Iris Judith Paulino of the Philippine School in Dammam (PSD) was named runner-up.

“In this contest, our main aim is to promote and develop our children’s skills on public speaking. We hope that all our Filipino schools in the Eastern Province will unite and support academic competitions like this,” said Florante Catanus, the current president of SAHI.

Catanus said that the competition went well and fair to all particiating schools.

The panel of judges chaired by Augusto Corro was composed mostly of members of the Toastmaster Club in Aramco. It included two Saudis, an Indian, a Pakistani, and three other Filipinos.