Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz on Monday called on photojournalists to inspire action against climate change, noting the country’s vulnerability to its effects.

At a photo exhibit organized by the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) in Pasay City, Ruiz, in a message read by Assistant Secretary Erel Cabatbat, lauded press photographers for capturing the human face of climate change.

He said communicators, whether through words or images, play a crucial role in moving the nation “from desperation to hope” as far as climate change is concerned.

“Empowering local communities through education about climate change is essential. And here comes our role as communicators to spread information and knowledge using traditional and social media, infographics and posters, YouTube videos, and even short ones on TikTok,” Ruiz said.

He said while the Philippines remains one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate impacts such as typhoons, droughts, and sea-level rise, such vulnerability should inspire action, not defeat.

Concrete actions like reforestation, investing in renewable energy, and strengthening disaster preparedness must be promoted and supported at all levels, he added.

“But this vulnerability should not define us. Instead, let us look at it as a call to action. To move from desperation to hope, we must focus on the concrete and the doable,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz said stories can also be effectively told through the powerful lens of photojournalism.

“Let us be the generation that turns the tide against climate change for our beloved Philippines,” he said.

Director Luis Morente of the News and Information Bureau, one of the government media platforms under PCO, during the same event, urged greater attention to preserving critical natural barriers like the Sierra Madre mountain range, as well as addressing the country’s significant plastic pollution problem.

He said these advocacies must reach the masses and move the people and the government to action.

“‘Yung mga ganyang adbokasiya ay dapat maiparating natin sa taongbayan para magkaroon ng mas malawak na pagkakaintindi, at sa ating gobyerno at mga nanunungkulan na umaksyon kung anong dapat nararapat (We must bring such advocacy to the people so that they will have a broader understanding of the issue, and to our government and those in power so that they can take action),” Morente said.

He also commended the PPP for using their platform to raise environmental consciousness, and pledged the continued support of the Philippine News Agency, which is under NIB’s supervision, in spreading climate awareness across the country.

The photo exhibit, held at the GSIS Building, highlighted the devastating impacts of human neglect and climate change. It featured striking images of environmental destruction, natural disasters, and the resilience of Filipino communities facing climate challenges. (PNA)