CITEM: Filipino Photographers Focus Their Lenses at Eco-Preservation

Pasay, Philippines, July 19, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The current generation places much importance on the Visual Images, which can evoke emotions from its viewers as well as convey a message to audiences regardless of age. With the present influx of point and shoot digital cameras and DSLRs, digital photography has become the easiest way to capture an image vividly.

The flair of Philippine photography can be seen in several fields such as fashion, travel and landscape, events, industrial and architectural, food, portrait, sports and photojournalism. For landscape and wildlife photographers, inspiration is bountiful and can be drawn from every corner of the country.

American travel photographer Jacob Maentz, who has done works for National Geographic, describes the Philippines as a photographer’s paradise. “In a time when the world is so interconnected and more demands are being placed on our limited resources, conservation strategies need to be put into place so future generations can enjoy the same resources we have. People are doing great work on the front lines, but more needs to be done”, claimed Maentz, who is currently based in the Philippines.

This coming August, the 1st Philippine International Eco-Show (PINES) will hold a national photography competition, open to all amateur and professional photographers. With the theme “Towards a Greener Earth”, this contest aims to convey the significance of environmental preservation through green businesses, effective environmental governance and public cooperation.

“We invite Filipino photographers, both amateurs and professionals, to take part in spreading the eco-virus to individuals and to business on the effects of incessant ecological disregard that leads to climate change and environmental degradation,” PINES Project Director and Deputy Executive Director of CITEM Thelma Dumpit-Murillo said. “This competition is a race to save the environment through images that serve as a reminder that industrial development and the environment are interrelated. We must maintain harmony in the universe in order to preserve it for future generations”, she said.

In the Philippines, photography clubs have sprouted through the years ranging from amateur associations to professional clubs such as Camera Club of the Philippines, Nikon Club Philippines, Pinoy Photography Organization, Cebu Photography Club, Zone V Camera Club and Lomo Manila among many others. The Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc. (FPPFI), created for the upliftment of Philippine photography and the welfare of Filipino photographers, is one of CITEM’s partners for the competition. "I call on photographers affiliated with the FPPF and enthusiasts all over the country to join this contest as a way of supporting CITEM’s advocacy to protect and preserve the country's wealth - our environment", said Ms. Eduviges Y. Huang, chairperson of the FPPFI.

The competition’s sponsor, Global Competitiveness C&T, Inc. (GLOCOMP), is at the forefront in helping organizations achieve ISO certification, ISO 14001 Environmental Management System in particular. “GLOCOMP strongly supports this competition, as we believe in achieving global relevance by operating in a socially responsible and environmentally-sustainable manner,” said Mel Co, Vice-President of Global Competitiveness C&T, Inc.

Winners will receive a certificate of recognition and a slot in the PINES Eco-Business Tour, along with P10,000.00 for the 1st prize, 5,000.00 for the 2nd prize and 3,000.00 for the 3rd prize.

This event is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, in partnership with Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc (FPPFI), Inc and Global Competitiveness Consultancy and Training, Inc. Acceptance of entries will run from July 1 to August 15, 2010.

For more information on how to participate, log on to www.pines.com.ph

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