Photojournalists have devices to counter fake photos and false news but the entrance of AI in the field of photojournalism and hightech mobile phones seem to be a nightmare to any professional photographer.
Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) has to deal with this reality: AI and new mobile phones that can beat a DSLR in the field.
Yet, another one tough issue for retired and sick photojournalists in the country, failing health and lack of medical assistance to hardworking press photographers covering difficult assignment here and abroad.
In a recent radio guesting at Usapang Payaman of Pilipino Mirror at DWIZ, Edwin Bacasmas, President of PPP, has 30 years of experience in photojournalism. A multi-awarded photojournalist in Asia and Philippines, Bacasmas captured important events in the country when drone was not yet widely used.
The future exhibit of PPP at Makati Commerce Towers in Gil Puyat Avenue on October 23 to October 28, 2024 is one promotion to help the PPP members who are in dire need of assistance. Bacasmas emphasized the need for medical attention and financial assistance of some members of PPP.
This is the fifth exhibit to date in the time of Bacasmas leadership. The presidency is a two-year term.
From the records of PPP, Mr. Jose Sarmiento wrote the history of PPP that “In 1951, a group of staff photographers of the major dailies and weeklies met over lunch at Ramon Lee’s Restaurant in Sta. Cruz, Manila, to form an association of press photographers which they felt must serve a sounding board for their various problems and grievances.”
The strongest proponents during those times were Honesto Vitug of Chronicle, Marcelo Ablaza of The Manila Times and Bert Garcia of the DMHM Philippines Herald.
This association became a potent force among press photographers when an incident in Malacañang happened. A staff photographer assigned in Malacañang to cover the late President Elpidiio Quirino was prohibited to be near the President and was even denied of entry in the premises of Malacañang.
Other photojournalists who joined the association were Felimon Tuyay, Esmeraldo Izon, Sergio Ruiz, Ignacio Santos, Antolin Bitanga, Jose Sarmiento, Rosendo Cruz, Jose Dungo, Jose del Rosario, Alfredo Santiago, Jose Vitug, and Manuel del Rosario.
The Mission of PPP is to promote fellowship and camaraderie among members globally by professionalizing the photography industry through seminars, trainings, exhibits, among others. The members of the PPP will uphold the freedom of the press and the dignity of the press photographers’ profession.
The Vision of PPP will promote exchanges between press photographers among various countries for observation and study as well as to enhance the outlook of press photographers through travel and study abroad. They will raise funds for the establishment of a non-profit facility for the recreation of the working press photographers.
RIZA ZUNIGA
