By Rodrigo S. Victoria

Naval, Biliran (7 November) -- In order to inspire the youth to live the virtue of honesty to their daily life and to heighten public awareness on the immediate need to dismantle and denounce corruption and dishonesty in Philippine society, the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP)-Naval Outreach will hold the 1st BCBP National "Be Honest" Oratorical contest (inter-secondary level) here on November 15, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at the New Naval Gymnasium.

Dr. Juan V. Pastor, Outreach Head of BCBP-Naval informed that the theme of the contest is centered on "How to Live the Virtue of Honesty as A Filipino Youth and Student".

The oratorical contest is in line with Memorandum No. 336 series of 2008 of the Department of Education issued by Secretary Jesli A. Lapus dated July 18, 2008 entailing the holding of BCBP's National "Be Honest" Oratorical Competition.

It was stated in the memorandum that the competition is open to third and fourth year students from public and private schools where a BCBP chapter operates.

The criteria for judging are as follows: concept (organization, mechanics and originality) -40%, delivery (platform behavior, gestures and mastery) -30% and voice (pronunciation, diction, voice projection and voice quality) -30%.

The winner of the oratorical competition will still compete in the regional and national level competitions with cash prizes at stake as follows: regional level 1st prize-P20,000, 2nd prize-P10,000 and 3rd prize-P6,0000 while in the national level the prizes are P100,000 for the 1st prize, 50,000 for the 2nd prize and 30,000 for the 3rd prize.

Some of the salient portion in the mechanics of the contest is that the slogan "Be Honest even if others will not; even if others cannot" should be mentioned at least once in the delivery and that the text of the oratorical piece should have no political undertones, no finger pointing, and no malicious color. The contestant will be automatically disqualified if these elements are evident in the oratorical piece.

Meanwhile, Arcbishop Angel N. Lagdameo of Jaro, Iloilo, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) emphasized that the nationwide activity sponsored by BCBP is a way to advocate and live out the Church virtue of honesty as a response to the culture of dishonesty and corruption so rampant and prevalent in the society.

The CBCP President said that the deeply entrenched culture of dishonesty and corruption has brought untold sufferings to many Filipinos, especially the poor.

On the other hand, Bishop Filomeno G. Bactol of the Diocese of Naval hoped and prayed that the BCBP sponsored oratorical contest would indeed awaken the desire of the people to make a difference and inspire the life of honesty and integrity.