Yap Celebrates 2026 World Food Day, Announces Essay Competition Winners

Friday, October 16, 2026 /// DYCA PIO

Yap FM - The Yap Inter-Agency Nutrition Education Council (YINEC) held its 2026 World Food Day celebration today, Friday, October 16, at the Yap Living History Museum, bringing together community members and participating organizations to promote food security, nutrition, and sustainable food production. This year’s celebration centered on the theme, “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” highlighting the importance of innovative solutions, traditional knowledge, and inclusive approaches to ensuring access to sufficient, diverse, safe, and nutritious food while protecting the environment for future generations.

As part of the celebration, YINEC announced the winners of the 2026 World Food Day Essay Competition, recognizing students for their participation and efforts to raise awareness of food security and nutrition.

A total of 34 essays were submitted for the competition. The Grade 8 category received 29 entries from Gilman Elementary School, St. Mary’s School, and Tamilang Elementary School, while the Grade 7 category received five entries from Tamilang Elementary School.

The winners are as follows:

Grade 7

First Place: Ellen Ruth Reetin, Tamilang Elementary School

Second Place: Jesse Etmol, Tamilang Elementary School

Third Place: Oliver Tamagpong, Tamilang Elementary School

Grade 8

First Place: Sylvesterson En, Tamilang Elementary School

Second Place: Stephen Remalmog, St. Mary’s School

Third Place: Damina Yowtamag, Gilman Elementary School

YINEC congratulated the winners and expressed appreciation to all participating students, teachers, and schools for their contributions to the competition.

All students who submitted essays will receive certificates of participation, while the winners will receive certificates and prizes. The certificates are expected to be prepared next week, with prizes pending the release of funding from the national level.

The World Food Day celebration also featured agricultural displays, information booths, health screenings, local produce sales, and other activities designed to promote healthy eating, local food production, and sustainable agricultural practices.

World Food Day is an opportunity to strengthen public awareness of global and local food security challenges and encourage collective action to build healthier, more sustainable communities.

Through the annual observance and student essay competition, YINEC continues to encourage community participation and raise awareness of the importance of nutrition, food security, and sustainable food systems in Yap.

(For more information, please contact the Division of Agriculture and Forestry at 350-2183)