Smile! Filipinos get chance to win P250,000

MANILA, Philippines – That smile could win you P250,000.

Teachers, school officials and other personnel should start the school year with a smile to encourage a happy atmosphere in the classroom, the Department of Education (DepEd) has said.

The DepEd has partnered with Cebuana Lhuiller Insurance Solutions to encourage school participation in the happiness initiative called Wear A Smile Campaign, an effort to find the “Happiest Pinoy” and encourage the rest of the nation to be happy every day.

“To start the school year in high spirits, all school personnel are encouraged to be in a positive disposition and to wear a smile when they report for the opening of classes on June 4 and the days that follow,” said Education Secretary Armin Luistro.

In a memorandum, Luistro enjoined DepEd regional directors, division chiefs and the heads of public and private elementary schools to “ensure the success of the campaign.”

The DepEd will conduct the search for the Happiest Pinoy at the school level on June 4-8, at the division level on June 11-15 and regional level on June 18-22.

The contest is open not only to school personnel but to all Filipinos of legal age and to groups or organizations registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Nominations may be submitted until July 15 through the campaign’s website, www.happiest-pinoy.com.

The winner will be selected according to the following criteria: A constantly cheerful face and optimistic outlook, proven ability to rise above life’s challenges and a positive impact on the lives of others.

A panel of nine judges, among them, Luistro, CNN 2009 Hero Efren Peñaflorida, former Sen. Leticia Ramos Shahani and former Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri, will pick the winner from 10 finalists in September.

The Happiest Pinoy will win a trophy and P250,000 while finalists will each receive P25,000 and trophies. Tarra Quismundo