THE Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has set the deadline for submission of entries for the 17th SEARCA Photo Contest on Nov. 30, 2023.
SEARCA director Glenn Gregorio said photographers from Southeast Asia are urged to upload their entries to the contest via the SEARCA website before the submission deadline.
Anchored on the theme "Regenerating Agri-Ecosystems, Lowering Global Boiling," the photo contest this year draws inspiration from the words of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who declared in July the advent of "global boiling" and emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis. Gregorio said "global boiling" serves as a metaphorical depiction of the escalating climate crisis, which resonates with SEARCA's priority focus on climate change and its impacts on agriculture.
He said the photo contest seeks submissions that showcase agricultural technologies and practices combating climate change while alleviating the strain on natural resources.
Photographers are to submit specific images that may feature farming methods supporting recycling, waste reduction, and a minimal carbon footprint and those that could highlight sustainable approaches promoting water conservation, soil enhancement, reduced postharvest losses, or the use of renewable energy.
"We encouraged photographers to capture farmers, farming families, researchers, inventors, students, and youth actively engaged with these technologies and practices in the field, encompassing various agricultural activities like crop cultivation, livestock management, and fisheries," Gregorio said.
Open to both seasoned and amateur photographers, the contest allows participants to submit an unlimited number of entries as long as they adhere to the specified contest guidelines.
All photo submissions must be original, unaltered, unpublished in any prior competition, and free from digital enhancements.
"We invite passionate photographers to seize this chance to demonstrate the potency of visual storytelling in tackling the worldwide issue of climate change," said Gregorio.
Winners will receive a cash prize of $1,000 for the first prize, $800 for the second prize, and $500 for the third prize. Special awards include the Seaca Director's Choice and the Philippine Department of Education Secretary's Choice, each recipient receiving $500. The People's Choice Award winner, determined through Facebook voting, will receive $400.