Three (3) government workers and photography enthusiasts emerged as the national winners of the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) PCSA Online Photography Contest.
The winners were Mara Katrina T. Panoy of Davao City Water District (1st place for “Keep Distance”), Chelcie A. Baratas of Social Security System Lapu-Lapu, Cebu Branch (2nd place for “Improvise, Adapt, Overcome), and Vidal Jun S. Riva of Ipag National High School in Bataan (3rd place for “Kalaro”). The winners received a cash prize of PHP15,000, PHP12,000, and PHP10,000, respectively. (see winning photos here)
The national winners were selected from 704 entries from all over the country, 48 of which became regional winners.
The photo entries were assessed based on content and adherence to the theme, visual impact, creativity and originality, and photographic quality. The panel of judges included Mervin C. Vergara (Art Director of Agung, the official newsletter of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts); Charisse Tinio (owner and president of Nice Print Photo, Inc.); and Atty. Raymond Fortun who also lent his expertise on photography.
"We are happy that many government workers have shared their talent in photography. They have contributed their work toward helping us see the good side of this crisis, the opportunities for change, and the many ways we have coped and succeeded in the process," said CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala.
The winning photos will grace the pages of CSC’s official publications as well as featured on its social media channels.
Themed “Journey to the New Normal”, the contest encouraged photo entries that communicated new norms or behavior which may effectively inspire others on how to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 situation. The images must convey the beauty and importance of living despite the uncertainty and discomfort brought about by pandemic. It must also strongly attract the imagination of the viewer to ensure positive outlook in their hearts and minds.
The PCSA Online Photography Contest ran from 1 July to 21 August. It is part of the 120th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, which is observed every September.
