Davao City’s graphic designer wins EU-PH relations logo competition

Luc Veron, EU Ambassador to the Philippines (far right), and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ma Elena Algabre extend their congratulations to Julie Ar Sibala, winner, and Eric Michael Opena, second runner-up, during the unveiling and presentation of the winning logo commemorating 60 years of EU-PH relations.

MANILA, Philippines–A young graphics designer at the University of Immaculate Conception in Davao City has emerged as the winner of a highly competitive logo contest commemorating the 60 years of EU-Philippines relations in 2024.

Julie Ar Sibala 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 central symbol of his design, the “infinite” sign, serves as a powerful metaphor for the timeless commitment of the EU to the Philippines.

Sibala,  who also graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Immaculate Conception, emphasized that the EU remains steadfast in its support, actively participating in peace talks, addressing climate-related challenges, combating poverty, promoting youth development, and engaging in various other endeavors.

The logo was chosen through a competition that was initiated among Filipino youth. The entries submitted by the participants were assessed based on their alignment with the theme, originality, visual impact, and usability.

Luc Véron, the EU Ambassador to the Philippines, and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ma Elena Algabre jointly revealed Sibala’s winning piece.

Of the winning logo, Véron said that “it is a thoughtfully designed symbol of the EU-Philippine partnership.  Elegant yet simple, intricately crafted but aesthetically pleasing, it serves as a solid representation of how our relationship will continue to progress unabated — and I am confident that my fellow jury members share the same sentiment.”

Other winners  in the competition were Czar Julenen Tanamor, the first runner-up, and Erick Michael Opeña, the second runner-up.

Véron hosted a luncheon at his residence in Makati City to honor the winners, Sibala and Opeña. Tanamor, the other runner-up, was unable to attend due to his residence in Australia.

The relationship between the EU and the Republic of the Philippines is longstanding and has significantly deepened in recent years.

In 2024, the EU and the Philippines will commemorate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, underscoring the enduring nature of this bilateral relationship.

“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,” Véron said.