A photo taken by APS’ Angel Domingo from the exhibit featuring an impoverished child. Photo by Ian Derf Salvaña

To expose the different realities in Mindanao, the Ateneo Photographers’ Society (APS) showcased a photo exhibit in line with the university’s promotion of social justice earlier today, July 9.
The exhibit, “Pagmata! Sa kamatuorang nagpatigbabaw sa reyalidad”, was held during Haguros, a back-to-school open mic and rock concert for a cause, held at the university’s Martin Hall.

According to the APS President Ralph Platon, a fourth year Mass Communication student, APS aims to reach out not just to the student in the Ateneo community but to other schools as well to expose social realities and issues in Mindanao.

“[The] photo exhibit is about the [unheard] truths of people in Mindanao. The role of photography in the community is [not just to share our talents but] expose the meaning of the photos [we produce],” he stated.

Platon also said the Ateneo community is full of people who are capable of expressing their passion and talents, and that they should use these towards achieving the university’s mission, vision, and goals.

“Umpisahan natin sa school ang pag-expose ng mga issues in Mindanao. Small-scale lang muna. May mga realizations within the [people in our community], and it is our duty to open their minds to these issues,” he emphasized.

Since a lot of issues in the island are pressing, Platon stressed that the university community should push the urgency of “informing the people”.

“Ang Mindanao, hindi lang puro war. Nagpi-pursue rin [tayo] ng equality kahit na medyo mahirap sa ngayon. We should continue this cause kasi inside Mindanao, maraming mga naghihirap, maraming social issues,” he added.

As a community, Platon also challenged Ateneans to become men and women for others, as it is in line with the goals of the university.

“We should promote care of other people, especially Mindanao. We should help other people. By that, we can also promote social justice and integrity not just among the students but also the greater masses,” he concluded.