The Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines and the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs revealed on October 18 the winners of the logo competition for the 60 Years of EU-Philippines Relations.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ma. Elena Algabre announced, the work of Julie Ar Sibala was adjudged as the winner in the logo contest. Other winnners were Czar Julenen Tanamor (first runner-up) and Erick Michael Opeña (second runner-up).
Ambassador Véron led the panel of judges from the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs and the Design Center of the Philippines. He commended the works of Filipino youth who joined the logo competition for their innovation and creativity and the ability to reflect the growing strategic partnership between the EU and the Philippines.
Describing the winning logo, Ambassador Véron said, “It is a thoughtfully designed symbol of the EU-Philippine partnership. It is elegant yet simple, intricately crafted but aesthetically pleasing, and serves as a solid representation of how our relationship will continue to progress unabated. I am confident my fellow judges share the same sentiment.”
Sibala is a graphics designer at the University of Immaculate Concepcion in Davao City where he also graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication.
According to Sibala, he drew inspiration from the “unwavering support of the European Union for the Philippines, regardless of the numerous issues and crises our nation has endured.”
“The EU continues to stand by us, assisting in peace talks, addressing climate concerns, tackling poverty, fostering youth development, and more. This unwavering commitment is represented by the main symbol in my logo, which is the ‘infinite’ sign,” he added.
Ambassador Véron hosted a luncheon in honor of the winners, Sibala and Opeña, in his residence in Makati City. The other runner-up, Australian-based Tanamor, will pay a courtesy visit to the EU Delegation when he comes to the Philippines in December.
In 2024, the EU and the Philippines will celebrate their 60 years of diplomatic relations. During the awarding ceremonies, Ambassador Véron explained, “We are commemorating the long list of our joint achievements. We are celebrating how the Philippines is hosting the first Copernicus mirror site in Asia, and how Filipino students constitute among the most numerous worldwide in terms of Erasmus Mundus scholarships won.”
“We celebrate the historic visit of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and her announcement on the prospective resumption of Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The list extends across six decades; therefore a symbolic logo is necessary,” he added.
Since 1964, the relationship between the Philippines and then European Communities flourished through people-to-people links such as parliamentarians’ interactions, visitors’ programmes, academic and cultural exchanges, migration, tourists and seafaring and diplomatic engagements.
In March 2018, the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the Philippines entered into force. The Agreement provided a new and enhanced legal framework, enabling the EU and the Philippines to strengthen their bilateral relationship, in particular on political, social and economic matters, including human rights. It reflects the longstanding partnership the EU has with the people of the Philippines and the EU’s commitment to investing in a strong and beneficial relationship for the EU and the Filipino citizens.
