Julian Eymard Paguiligan, a fine arts student of Bulacan State University, emerged on top of a field of 69 finalists from 23 schools nationwide to win the grand prize in the 24th Visual Art National Competition, organized by the Philippine Long Distance Co. (PLDT) and the Directories Philippines Corp. (DPC).

His victory earned him P100,000 in cash and a Napoleon Abueva trophy, plus a P40,000 donation in kind to Bulacan State University. This was quite a feat for a first-timer in the annual competition, which gives fine arts and other students all over the country a venue for showcasing their talent through their creative interpretation of specific themes.