Written by Mark Raiven Delos Santos, SON-SBO 2nd Year Councilor
A student from the School of Nursing, Ajel Elaine Co, proudly represented the Philippines and won first place in the Chinese Character Writing Competition for International Students in China. Co is currently in said country for a 3-month exchange student program with one of UB’s partner institutions, Jining Polytechnic University (JPU).
The competition took place on May 12, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with more than 30 participants. Organized by JPU’s Basic Teaching Department, the competition aimed to spread the culture of the country while standardizing and cultivating good writing habits of Chinese characters and improving the aesthetic ability of international students.
Representing the Philippines, Co came prepared. For days, she kept reading different ancient poems and practicing proper strokes for multiple Chinese Characters. With a pen on her right hand, and determination on the left, she was more than ready to win.
However, once at the venue, Co was surprised by the sheer number of competitors. “Medyo kinabahan ako kasi yung ibang international students super tagal na rito sa China, tapos ako lang din yung Pinoy representative,” she said, recalling the pressure of the one-try writing competition.
when the timer started, Co found her focus as she was tasked to write a piece she already knew from her soul—“Mǐn Nóng” (悯农), or Sympathy for the Peasants. A classic Tang Dynasty poem by Li Shen, it is a foundational cultural touchstone used to teach children the virtues of frugality and gratitude for the ‘grain on the plate.’ For Co, this wasn’t just a test of calligraphy; it was years of familiarization finally being put to use. The poem’s message—a powerful reminder of the grueling labor behind every meal—provided a universal theme of gratitude that resonated deeply, proving that some values remain relatable despite any language barriers.
Co’s achievement is a statement that proves nursing truly is an art. Her attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and turn in an organized writing of an ancient Chinese poem is a testament to the skill, dedication, and focus instilled by the University of Baguio’s mission of building empowered professionals in a global community.
