“I want to honor the strength and resilience of all the mothers and parents through my photos.”
This is the message of Glenn Tiondo, 16 years old, from Zamboanga City, that he seeks to convey through his photo essay entitled “Mothers as Light during Pandemic”.
His entry to the 9th Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week (JJWeek) Photo Essay Contest narrates the significant role of mothers during this COVID-19 Pandemic. His photos paint the powerful touch a mother can make to clear away the fear and trauma her child has when she gives her a warm embrace and comforting words.
“We are truly facing a dark and challenging time of our lives. But our parents and guardians, especially our mothers, remain as the torch that guide us to physical and mental wellness, positivity, and silver linings. Mothers are indeed the light of pandemic”, he said.
This perspective on the theme of the contest, child protection and positive parenting amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic got Glenn first place in the Photo Essay Contest.
Meanwhile, the entry “To Nourish the Hope of our Society” by Yani Padua, 15 years old, from Isabela won the second place award. Her photo essay relays the importance of enforcing health protocols within the household and a reminder to make use of the technology wisely and in moderation.
The third place was bagged by Kazha Hope L. Molina, 17 years old, from South Cotabato. Her entry “Resilience Against Pandemic” recounts how children find ways to cope up with the current situation through the guidance and love that is being showered by their parents. She also won Audience Choice Award.
Another winner of the Audience Choice Award was Jasper Dominic F. Miranda, 17 years old, from Negros Oriental, his entry is entitled “Poverty and Vulnerability – The Hope of the Nation Lies in our Children ” .
The judges of the contest were Dir. Irene B. Dumlao of the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Social Marketing Service, Ms. Mignonette dela Paz-Reposar of the National Youth Commission, Mr. Renato H. Dilan, Chief Photographer of The Manila Times, and Mr. Miguel Antonio de Guzman, Photographer of The Philippine Star.
The Photo Essay Contest is one of the activities of the 9th JJWeek Celebration. It aims to engage the participation of children to promote appreciation of activities or dynamics within the household while complying with the community quarantine protocols and to increase awareness on child protection and positive parenting.
