Oh! My Government (OMG!) Photo Contest Top Thirteen Entries
Clamor for the Passage of a National Policy on Reproductive Health
The people are calling on the President to take a stand on the much publicized Reproductive Health bill. For more than 10 years since the first RH bill was crafted, lives of Filipino are deteriorating due to the lack of national policy to address the need of RH information and services in which remains at the hands of the local chief executives (LCEs).
Belief or profit making?
Disbelief upon seeing this image at Saint Pio Chapel in Libis Quezon City. Upon entry in this sanctuary there is a label written outside the door IL LUOGO SACRO which means “the sacred place”. Upon entering I was dumbfounded to see this image of Jesus Christ being showered with money. I am struck because in the Philippines which we are a predominant Catholic country, people are having a hard time to distinguish idolatry to praying. It is like going back to the time of Moses were people pray on statues etc.
Lion’s Promenade to Success
Photo was taken on the 9th of March 2012 which is showing the famous Waterfront Promenade of Marina Bay in the growing country of Singapore. After the sun sets, the whole place, including the infrastructures and bay, is illuminated by awesome architectural lights which make it more conducive for people who want to walk away from their busy city lives, take a break from their nerve-racking jobs, or simply see beauty outside the corners of their dwelling place. The establishment of Marina Bay is Singapore’s proof of its continuous success and walk in becoming one of the leading countries in Asia and even in the whole World.
The Promised Land
This picture tells a whole lot of story behind her innocent smile. In a place where people struggle for survival asking for help for the government, to somehow make their lives easy, the city of Paranaque made a promise that they would clean the bay area of Bulungan (alongside of the coastal road) for a better living of the people, but as time passes it seems like the government is taking away the place for reconstruction for commercial purposes or multinational interest. The locals of the said community asked me to speak out for them because the people of “Bulungan” said that their voices are not heard by the government. The place might be demolished anytime soon. So, they eagerly crossed their fingers raising hope. I’ve met an old guy named Mang Tony Boy. We had a very long conversation about what they’re fighting for and He said to me that I might be the person that can help them, “send out all the pictures to whom we might get help, it’s our only hope.” And the moment I was in that position there’s something came out through me, a sense of social responsibility and I want to help them by any means. I believe this is a calling for me.
The Truthful Flies
This is a short poem/prose I wrote on how I see and feel about our current system. It may sound cynical but I want to encourage the people to not act the way the system tells us to do, we all have this free will and self-thought on making change. It's not too late because I still believe in humanity and it's just a matter of time and I believe that the kids are the future of our generation. We cannot always depend on the government, we have our own responsibility. We try and try to make change out of this world but with few other options visible, it’s quite hard. Like in this situation, kids are forced to work for a living; they are supposed to be in school and not the other way around. If the government let this pass, what would it be? It's heartbreaking to see these kids who are just plain naive, because in ignorance they find bliss, natural and unaffected; innocent.
Pag-alog
The photo was taken at a secluded coconut farm in Eastern Samar, where there is no proper supply of water and the road is underdeveloped. Fetching a pail or galloon of drinking water is part of the daily routine of the farmers. I put a 1960’s concept to the photo so that it will look shabby and a bit catchy and the focus would be on the people carrying their water containers. Though in real, the photo looks greener and the story is not on the people but on nature.
“Pag-alog” is a Waray-waray term which means “to fetch a pail of water.”
Unsung Hero of “Typhoon Ondoy”
MANILA, Philipppines. September 27, 2009. Tropical storm "Ondoy" (international name Ketsana) started with strong rainfalls night on September 25, 2009. Many under-estimated it’s strength. Unexpectedly, downpours began that may compare to a month rainfalls. Many were stranded along the way but what the saddest happening when .missing persons and death arises. The Philippine Navy and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) rescued the residents of Provident Village in Marikina City they are the most affected residents in the areas. Manila and surrounding areas were lashed with heavy rains for nine hours Saturday The different rescue operation group of different City in Metro Manila trying to help each other to give help to the victims of Typhoon “Ondoy”. The rescue team priority the kids and women during the rescue operations to evacuate them to the safe place. During rescue operation there is two marines was drawn during the rescue operation because of over fatigue / stress on rescue operation.
Justice for the Massacred Journalist
Manila, Philippines. November 2009. The filipino journalist and The Confederation of Asean Journalists to the victims of the so-called “AMPATUAN MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE” where at least 30 Filipino journalists were among those killed.The Filipino journalist appeal to the Philippine Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, to spare no effort in giving justice to the victims and use the force of the Philippine judicial system and our national security forces in ensuring that all the suspects are immediately apprehended whoever they may be and wherever they may be hiding right now. Truly, the incident in Maguindanao has no parallel and has dwarfed the other incidents of violence against journalists every where, now feel over this mass killing, in a single day, of our fellow media practitioners. Today, at least 75 Filipino journalists have been slain in the last 11 years yet justice for the majority of them remains as elusive ever. Until now there is no clear about the case after almost 3 years there is conviction to the AMPATUAN CLAN who are the perpetrator of the massacre.
Indian Rural Boom
Rural Development in India is one of the most important factors for the growth of the Indian economy. India is primarily an agriculture-based country. Agriculture contributes nearly one-fifth of the gross domestic product in India. In order to increase the growth of agriculture, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA ) Government in India has planned several programs. UPA is a ruling coalition led by the Indian National Congress (INC), which is currently the single largest political party in the country. My photo story is to document
the fast changing scenario in Indian ruralsector during UPA government’s regime.
River Guardian
This was shot in Barangay Parabba in Penablanca Cagayan Valley, Philippines. The picture shows a barangay tanod patrolling Mororan River. The rock formations along the river are home to the Callao Caves, one of the tourist spots in Cagayan Valley. Both the river and the caves are in danger of being desecrated by tourists and locals alike. What’s amazing about this shot is that the baranagay tanod owns the boat himself and uses his own money for patrolling the river. According to the baranagay tanod, the lack of funding from the provincial government shouldn’t hinder the residents, especially those who are in government service, from protecting their community.
The South Goes Dancing in the North
The Pasundayag Festival of Northern Mindanao is a government-initiated fair wherein the different cultures of the people (songs and dances, crafts, food, destinations, etc.) of Northern Mindanao are showcased. The lead agency for the event is the Department of Tourism Region X and is joined by with support from the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Northern Mindanao, the Northern Mindanao Tourism Council 10. The aim of the fair is not only to prop up Northern Mindanao as a tourist destination, but to promote the diversity of culture in the Philippines as well as greater understanding among the Filipino people.
Philippine Maize: The Path of Struggle for Food Self Sustainability
The Municipality of Bulalacao’s concern for its people and communities is reflected in the way it focuses on developing its agricultural production. Through the support of its local government unit in partnership with the community, the municipality continues to promote maize production to increase the economic and financial stability of individual farmers and the whole municipality.
Silent Protest Against Corruption
Thousands of veteran social activist Anna Hazare’s followers gather at Esplanade in Kolkata to lodge a silent candle light protest in demand of introducing Lokapal bill to fight against corruption. Lokpal bills were introduced several times since 1968, yet they were never passed by the Indian Parliament. After a fast by veteran social activist Anna Hazare and widespread protests by citizens across India the Government of India constituted a 10-member Joint Committee of ministers and civil society activists to draft an effective Jan Lokpal Bill. The primary focus of IAC movement is to ensure a strong Lokpal bill.