Manila: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz on Monday called on photojournalists to inspire action against climate change, noting the country's vulnerability to its effects. At a photo exhibit organized by the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) in Pasay City, Ruiz, in a message read by Assistant Secretary Erel Cabatbat, lauded press photographers for capturing the human face of climate change.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ruiz emphasized the significant role that communicators play, whether through words or images, in moving the nation "from desperation to hope" concerning climate change. He urged the empowerment of local communities through education about climate change, using various media channels such as traditional and social media, infographics, posters, and even short videos on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Ruiz pointed out that despite the Philippines being one of the world's most vulnerable countries to climate impacts such as typhoons, droughts, and sea-level rise, this vulnerability should motivate action rather than defeat. He called for concrete actions like reforestation, investing in renewable energy, and strengthening disaster preparedness to be promoted and supported at all levels.
He further expressed that the nation's vulnerability should not define it, but rather serve as a call to action. "To move from desperation to hope, we must focus on the concrete and the doable," Ruiz said. He also highlighted the power of photojournalism in effectively telling stories related to climate change and urged a generational commitment to turning the tide against climate change for the Philippines.
Other government officials, including Philippine Information Agency Deputy Director General Ares Gutierrez, Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Chief Joe Torres, and National Press Club President Leonel Abasola, also expressed strong support for the PPP and its environmental advocacy during the event.
Director Luis Morente of the News and Information Bureau, a government media platform under PCO, urged greater attention to preserving critical natural barriers like the Sierra Madre mountain range and addressing the country's significant plastic pollution problem. He emphasized the need to communicate these advocacies to the masses and the government to spur action.
Morente also commended the PPP for using their platform to raise environmental consciousness and pledged continued support from the Philippine News Agency, under NIB's supervision, in spreading climate awareness across the country.
The photo exhibit, held at the GSIS Building, showcased the devastating impacts of human neglect and climate change through striking images of environmental destruction, natural disasters, and the resilience of Filipino communities facing climate challenges.
