The Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) celebrated its 75th anniversary on February 16, 2026. On this occasion, the PPP recognizes three World Press Photo Award recipients. A commitment that the PPP recognizes and serves the Filipino press photographers.
Recognizing the efforts of the Filipino press photographer in the ever-changing landscape of journalism. Social media and generative AI are taking over this landscape. These visual storytellers continue to survive through the takeover with the support of PPP. The organization helps them through exhibitions, collaboration, and building a new network.
Three World Press Photographers
PPP recognizes three World Press Filipino Photographers on this special occasion. A certificate of recognition is handed to Michael Varcas and Noel Celis for winning the Word Press Photo Award.
Michael Varcas won the World Press Photo in 2024. He captured the ongoing conflict of the West Philippine Sea. A battle between the Chinese Coast Guard armed ship and a fisherman on a wooden boat. A skillfully captured scene from behind Mr. Varcas’ lens.
Noel Celis is a Filipino press photographer who won twice in the World Press Photo. He won in 2017 in the general category during Duterte’s Drug War. His most recent win was in 2025. His photograph is entitled “Four Storms, 12 Days.” His win became controversial when he was denied a visa for the World Press Photo Awards.
These two photojournalists were under the wing of Albert Garcia. He is the first Filipino to win the World Press Photo. Being an awardee of this prestigious award also gave recognition to Filipino photojournalists.
The Man
The PPP gives a Lifetime Achievement Award to Albert Garcia as a prestigious photojournalist. He has worked as a press photographer for Manila Bulletin and Manila Times for 40 years. Later retired in 2008 to Alberta, Canada.
Mr. Garcia is best known for his winning photo of the Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption. He captured the massive ashfall while chasing a fleeing blue vehicle. A hair-raising moment as they also flee the scene but astonishingly captured a rare moment. This photographic scene won the World Press Photo in 1992.
Since then he has been recognized around the world. The winning photograph even became a cinematic reference to Hollywood films such as Dante’s Peak.
He retired to Canada in 2008. He still continues to take photographs. He does this for Alberta Chronicles and some photographic gigs.
PPP warmly welcomes him from the cold weather in Canada. “I’m so happy Bernard [Testa] and thank you so much! And a masterful production of the event,” Mr. Garcia’s response to one of the PPP officers.
Elephant in the Room
This shows the importance of journalism and its long journey to today. The advancement of technology in the information age raises concerns for journalists around the world. The latest news is the Washington Post’s layoffs. The members of PPP address this elephant in the room. PPP Veterans speak out on the issue.
They speak of their grievances as the trending news is the news. The Philippines follows this global trend. The Daily Philippine Inquirer (PDI) is one example. The PDI slows down its operation as it merges with Inquirer.net. A layoff of their print production. The CNN is another example that ceased its operations in the Philippines. Digital technology is ending the news.
The biggest concern is not the layoffs but the reason behind them. The use of AI is the reason for all these. Media corporations are now relying on AI as it tries to financially survive.
The corporations’ answer is to spend less on human skills and deliver fast news. The use of social media and generative AI is now the source of news.
This leads to misinformation and disinformation as visual storytelling becomes less relevant. The PPP makes sure that visual journalists are more important as it is today.
The organization shows its importance through exhibitions, collaboration, and building new networks. The dedicated photojournalist will continue to be important in today’s age.
