STAR lensman tops 'Water' photo tilt

MANILA, Philippines - STAR photographer Ernie Peñaredondo Jr. bagged first prize in the “people’s choice” category of the 2009 “Water is Life” photo contest organized by German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), a German government development agency, through its water and sanitation program in the Philippines.

Winners were announced on Nov. 4 during the awards ceremony held at SM Megamall Activity Center in Mandaluyong City.

His winning photo titled “Waterworld” shows urban shanties along the seawall of Manila’s Tondo district being hit by big waves brought by typhoon “Kiko” last August.

The STAR lensman’s entry also won 2nd prize in the general category, which was judged by environmental lawyer and 2009 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Antonio Oposa Jr., professional photographer Bien Bautista, Environment Undersecretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering, and Interior Undersecretary Austere Panadero.

The people’s choice category, on the other hand, gathered votes from among the thousands of mall-goers who viewed the exhibit’s 40 finalists.

This year’s contest theme hoped to visualize the causes and adverse impacts of climate change. According to GTZ senior expert Bernard Agawin, many foreseen and actual devastating impacts of climate change are felt through and on the country’s water resources.

The P25,000 top prize in the general category went to freelance photographer Joselito Arceta for his entry, “Basketball at the Swamp.” The P20,000 second prize went to Peñaredondo, while third prize worth P15,000 was awarded to multimedia arts graduate Karlo Emmanuel Victoriano for his entry “Safe Drinking Water?”

Coincidentally, the top three photos also shared the top three places among people’s choices, translating to additional cash gifts.

The photo contest was co-sponsored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Water Resources Board, GTZ Adaptation to Climate Change and Conservation of Biodiversity Project, Manila Water Co., Philippine Water Partnership (PWP) and SM Megamall.