Photography contest for Filipino children held

The Philippines is celebrating the National Arts Month” this February and the One Philippines Team in the UAE has organised a photography competition for Filipino children, between the ages of ages eight and 17.

Philippine Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand Ver told Gulf Today photography was chosen, among other art forms, because through it, “real-life moments and ‘katotohanan’ (truth) are captured.”

Moreover, “photography reflects ‘giting’ (courage or valour), resilience, and shared human experience, making it a powerful medium to express collective aspirations and social realities.”

The Philippines’ “National Arts Month” became part of the nation’s journey from 1991 after the late President Corazon C. Aquino signed Presidential Proclamation No. 683 on Jan. 28 that year. It was “to recognise the invaluable contributions of world-class and award-winning Filipino artists and cultural workers” as it also aims to “to encourage civic participation in cultural events, highlighting their artistic talents and providing them opportunities to express their creativity,” in the realms of “music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literature, film and architecture,” according to the website of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the lead implementing agency.

For that matter and on encouraging the Filipino third cultures across the seven emirates, Ver said: “Filipino youth represent creativity, fresh perspectives, and the future of Philippine arts and culture.”

“The contest encourages them to express their voice and artistic potential,” Ver also said.

Aspirants are required to submit one original and unpublished photograph in PNG file, they have personally taken, over the Philippine Embassy-Abu Dhabi website, abudhabi.pe.dfa.gov.ph on or before Feb.18 (Sunday).

The one entry-per-participant application must bear a “written description, explaining” how the piece of art portrays “Ani ng Sining: “Katotohan at Giting” (“Ani ng Sining: Truth and Valor”) or according to the diplomatic website: “What does Courage Look Like to Me?”

The sub-theme of the competition, according to the NCCA, is “Livable Communities & Governance.” It “aims to address the three outcomes of the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and Arts,” including the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, “focusing on how artistic expressions promote peace and development.”

“This year’s celebration highlights how the arts contribute to building livable communities, responsible governance, and a sustainable society that upholds truth, courage, and collaboration.”

The “official list” of the jury, composed of Filipinos in the UAE who are the experts or gurus in the “arts, culture and photography, shall be announced in due course,” said the ambassador.

Winners shall be announced at the end of February, via the official platforms of the embassy, where their entries shall also be featured.