With much pride and pleasure, allow me to extend my warmest greetings to Petron Corporation and Studio 5 Designs, as you honor the winners in the ArtPetron: 1st National Student Art Competition.

Through the theme "Lumang Laro, Bagong Likha," it is most fortunate there is a stronger and better awareness for basic Filipino community spirit through the visual arts today. The tradition of these indigenous games speaks of a common heritage that binds us together. As Philippine art continues to evolve from ideas, talents, and dreams of generations of Filipinos, ArtPetron has enriched collective values and experiences that make us uniquely Filipino.

I am deeply overwhelmed by the dedication and fortitude of the participating student-artists. I hope the initial success of this competition which saw participants from as far as Davao and the Ilocos regions, will encourage ArtPetron to continue to be a venue for young artists and influence the development of visual arts in our country.

It is good to note that these masterpieces will be featured in Petron's 2002 corporate calendar. I hope that this opportunity will pave the way to a renewed consciousness in the propagation of Filipino culture through these indigenous games. Let us take advantage of these renewed awareness and use it for the advancement of our nation in this new millennium.

  NAPOLEON V. ABUEVA
  National Artist for Visual Arts
  Chairman, Board of Judges, ArtPetron