STUDENTS from the College of Architecture and Fine Arts of the Tarlac State University bagged several awards at the Shell 55th National Students Art Competition held at the Ayala Museum in Makati City earlier this month.

John Michael Ramos won the first prize for his watercolor painting titled “Pag-asa, Dalangin at Pangarap.”

Ramos received a P60,000 cash prize, a gold medal, a plaque, and limited-edition Shell NSAC shirt and jacket.

Since Ramos won the first prize, the college will receive a P20,000 grant to support its faculty development plan, TSU said.

Ramos’ other entry in the same category placed 6th.

Meanwhile, John Romer Pavilando’s work titled “Hanggang Pampang” ranked third in the sculpture category.

Pavilando also joined the digital art category and was included in the top 30 finalists, along with students Pamela Mari Zabala and Gizelle Mikaela Lagahi.

Other learners in the top 30 finalists were Mica Ann Morte in the watercolor category and Yuri Romero Gutierrez in the sculpture category.

Themed “Sulong Sining,” the 55th NSAC aims to empower youth in actively shaping the future through their art.

It caters to four categories such as watercolor painting, sculpture, digital art, and oil/acrylic. The competition is open to all college students.