CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- As part of the week-long celebration of the 32nd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR), a special photo exhibit was held at SM City Pampanga entitled "Photography with a Difference (PWD)" with the theme "Touching Lives through Photography" last Saturday.
Every photo captured the moments of special children enjoying a trip to Zoobic Safari in Subic Bay like any normal kid does. The special children also got to express themselves and share their hidden but unique perspectives through simple point-and-shoot photography.
The advocacy began with this very identical chance encounter last 2008 between a photographer, John, and a 25-year-old special child, Ian.
John invited him and his mother to Manila Zoo as he had wanted to capture bonding moments between mother and son, hoping such photos would give her solace and inspiration during difficult times.
In the process, John taught Ian simple point-and-shoot photography and was amazed on the unique perspective that Ian's images showed, thus the birth of the concept of Photography with a Difference.
SM Supermalls through SM Cares Disability Committee headed by Bien Mateo has been supporting advocacies for People with Disabilities (PWDs). Building SM Supermalls' structure that is fit for everyone, especially for PWDs in making their malling experience as convenient and as fun for all.
The photographer who started the noble advocacy and the organizer of the said event, John Chua was present at the ribbon-cutting rites of the photo exhibit together with Lana Erroba, Asst. Mall Manager of SM City Pampanga. It was in partnership with the Subic Bay Photography Society headed by Roy Van Morales and Cleo Roda Nodado and special participation of the Autism Society Philippines-Olongapo Chapter headed by Edna Aragonez and the Department of Tourism III headed Regional Director Ronnie Tiotuico. The photo exhibit was sponsored by Canon Philippines.
For the final celebration of the 32nd Anniversary of NDPR, PWD and DSWD Region III will have their sports fest with the theme, "Sa Instrukturang Accessible, Lahat ay Able" at SM City Pampanga Amphitheater on July 21, 2010 at 10 a.m. (Press Release)