TRECE MARTIRES CITY, CAVITE (July 6) – In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and the limitations that it brings like the prohibition of physical contact and mass gatherings, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cavite initiated the conduct of an environmental photo contest as a virtual Information and Education Campaign to engage the general public towards environmental protection and conservation by mobilizing them in using the art of taking pictures.

Relative to this, the photo contest was conducted in observance of the Philippine Environment Month and other environmental events being celebrated every month of June such as the Arbor and DENR Day 2020.

Submission of entries was opened to the public from June 10 to June 26, 2020. Pictures must be taken within the Province of Cavite highlighting its environment and natural resources not limited to wildlife, ecosystems, and biodiversity.

PENRO Cavite was overwhelmed by the number of participants who joined the photo contest. This clearly shows that most of the people are starting to appreciate the aesthetic gift of nature, which in return can be a foundation for having a strong advocacy towards environmental protection and conservation.  

One hundred three (103) entries were received for the photo contest and among those entries that made to the Top 10 photos were thoroughly deliberated through the preliminary judging conducted on June 26, 2020. Afterwards, the top 10 finalists were adjudged by the panel of judges from DENR PENRO Cavite, Cavite State University Indang, and PG-ENRO.

Winners received P 7,000 as 1st prize; P 5,000 as 2nd prize; P 3,000 as 3rd prize; and consolation prizes for the 7 remaining finalists. Winners of the environmental photo contest were announced and posted in PENRO Cavite Facebook Account on June 30, 2020. Photo entry #16 entitled “A Wave of Nature” won the first prize. It was taken in Ternate which depicts the coastal resources of the Province.

On the same date, PENRO Cavite concluded the contest by encouraging the people to appreciate more the nature and inspire them to share their environmental portraits to help promote environmental protection and conservation campaigns, because this office believes that photography allows people to admire the nature captured in a frozen moment.