Country's annual photojournalism workshop opens in Benguet province
PRESS RELEASE
26 November 2014
Country's annual photojournalism workshop opens in Benguet province
Top photojournalists from local and international media organizations are holding this year's annual "Professional Photography and Journalism Workshop" in the province of Benguet from November 26 to 30.The premier photojournalism workshop, which has been conducted by the Photojournalist's Center of the Philippines (PCP), opened at Benguet State University in La Trinidad town on November 26.
"Holding this year's workshop in Benguet, home to a proud indigenous peoples community, is symbolic of our vision to be professional journalists who are rooted in the history and culture of our people," said Mike Alquinto, chairman of the country's leading photojournalists' organization.
"Through this workshop, we journey together with new breed of photojournalists as they face the challenges brought about by innovations in visual communications and new media platforms," Alquinto said.
The five-day workshop opened with a traditional Cordillera ritual of thanksgiving and solidarity that was participated in by workshop participants, who came from various parts of the country, and representatives of indigenous peoples tribes in the region.
"The ritual signifies our willingness to share not only the fruits of our labors but also our talents," said Dave Leprozo Jr., workshop co-director.
Gigie Cruz, PCP board member and workshop co-director, said the activity is "not only about learning new skills."
"It is also about understanding the growing number of images that people produce and come across daily as new media platforms, like social media sites and mobile gadgets, multiply," Cruz said.
This year's activity was made possible through the assistance of the provincial government of Benguet, Benguet State University, Municipality of La Trinidad, City of Baguio, Canon Philippines, YKL Color Printing Inc, and the European Union.
The workshop has been supported by media partners abs-cbnnews.com, Union of Catholic Asian News, The Peace and Conflict Journalism Network, the Philippine Press Institute, and Manila Bulletin's Picture Perfect.