Three Filipino students have bested some 2,000 entries from 150 countries in the recently-concluded World Bank 2009 International Essay Competition, with this year’s topic focusing on “How does climate change affect you? How do you tackle climate change through youth-led solutions?”

Victor Marco Emmanuel Ferriols from the University of the Philippines-Visayas won third place in the video essay category with his piece, “Losing shores, losing more,” while Jernalyn Gayon from the Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City won third place in the photograph category.

On the other hand, Miguel Antonio Garcia, a student of the University of San Carlos, Cebu City was chosen as a finalist in the essay writing category with his entry, “Stepping Up To The Challenge: The Cebuano Youth in the Climate Change Crisis.” His essay made an impact on fellow participants making him one of the most aware about the issue on climate change.

In his essay, Garcia said, “the youth can serve as an effective force in encouraging people to redo their lifestyles and prod stakeholders to make a concrete plan of action. A well-thought framework, strong research armor and a concerted effort among different youth-led initiatives are key steps to strengthen the youth’s influence in society.”

Other Philippine entries, which included eight other essays, a video and a photograph were among the best submitted to the World Bank, making the Philippines the country with the most number of top entries, along with Indonesia.

Full Story: Manila Bulletin/Yahoo PH