The World Press Photo Exhibition in Manila, an annual traveling showcase that presents a selection of winning photographs of some of the most important events in recent history, celebrates the best visual storytelling from across the globe as it ignites discussion on press freedom and human rights.

It presents the goal of representation, especially in countries where journalists remain a target. It serves as an opportune time to gather and engage students and advocates in their mutual pursuit to present social realities and explore the power of storytelling in building the narratives of society.

Winners from the 2023 World Press Photo Contest are on display, to include Filipino contributions, such as Death of a Nation by Kimberly dela Cruz and Home for the Golden Gays by Hannah Reyes Morales.

Concurrent with the showcase, the event held a series of expert talks and roundtable discussions, wherein Dela Cruz imparted her perspectives on the plight of ordinary persons amid the challenges of press freedom and human rights in the Philippines and beyond.

The conversations delved into the significance of ethics and dedication in visual storytelling, the importance of creating in-depth photo series, access and consent in covering sensitive topics, and finding ways to support an ongoing project.

They were joined by Manila-based documentary photographer Ezra Acayan, whose recent work includes a reportage on the suffering and abuse experienced by communities under the past administration’s war on drugs.

It likewise featured representatives from the Golden Gays, a nonprofit organization which supports care facilities for elderly LGBTQ population, to highlight the impact of photography on the lives of the subjects and their connection with the photojournalists.

It was moderated by Anita Huynh, programs and outreach manager of World Press Photo Foundation, and Annick Shen, a visual strategist with expertise in multidisciplinary media storytelling. She also served as deputy director to Adobe Stock’s Directorial of Editorial Content Santiago Lyon.

Documentary photographer and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Photography educator and mentor Veejay Villafranca, 2024 World Press Photo Contest Southeast Asia and Oceana jury chair, was present.

The event was organized by World Press Photo Foundation, in collaboration with DAKILA Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism and DLS-CSB.

The World Press Photo Exhibition in Manila was made possible through a grant from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in the Philippines.

It is available on view to the public until Sunday, March 17, 2024 at the 11F Gallery of Benilde Design + Arts Campus, Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate Manila.