PHLPost: Young Filipinos are keeping the tradition of letter writing alive

In an era dominated by instant messaging, young Filipinos are proving that meaningful human connection still matters, and that the timeless art of letter writing remains alive in the digital age.

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has officially announced the winners of the 55th National Letter-Writing Competition for Young People, highlighting the remarkable ability of the Filipino youth to express empathy, sincerity, and emotional depth through handwritten letters.

This year’s competition drew hundreds of entries from students aged 9 to 15 across the country, including participants from far-flung communities. More than literary skill, the winning letters stood out for their heartfelt reflections on friendship, family, presence, and genuine human connection in an increasingly online world.

According to PHLPost, the contest showed that despite growing up in a fast-paced digital culture, many young people still value the sincerity and emotional weight carried by handwritten words.

“Text messages can be deleted in seconds, but a handwritten letter is something people can keep and treasure for a lifetime,” the postal agency said.

Emerging as this year’s First Prize winner is Alvonzo Leandros T. Arandia, a Grade 6 student from Elizabeth Seton School-South, in Imus City Cavite, whose moving composition reflected on the enduring value of relationships beyond the internet and social media.

 “My Lola Aida’s stories reminded me that the most enduring bonds are not forged over a Wi-Fi connection,” Arandia wrote in his winning entry.

He added, “It is the kind of presence that God intended when He made humans social beings, meant to walk through life together rather than through a pixelated veil.”

As national champion, Arandia will represent the Philippines in the international letter-writing competition organized by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), where young writers from around the world will share messages of hope, friendship, and understanding through the enduring tradition of letter writing.

Joining Arandia among this year’s top winners are Alizandro N. Reyes, Grade 10 student from Philippine Science High School – Cagayan Valley Campus in Nueva Vizcaya, who won Second Prize, and Jilliane Claire A. Tabing, a Grade 11 student from San Agustin National High School in Isabela, who received Third Prize.

The annual competition, organized by PHLPost under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union, carried the theme: “Write a letter to a friend about why human connection matters in a digital world.”

Far from being detached by technology, today’s youth are showing a deep appreciation for authentic relationships, thoughtful communication, and the enduring power of handwritten letters.

This year’s board of judges includes Melanie Turingan, Dean of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Arts and Letters, Archie Bergosa, Editor-in-chief of Explained PH, an online media platform and Aaron Tolentino, Senior Education Program Specialist, Department of Education.