THE PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 4, 2011: A photo release of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), posted on the government agency’s Facebook page, drew outrage and criticism from netizens and artists alike after blogger Pierre San Diego pointed out that the image was retouched using photo editing software.
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The photo in question showed DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo, DPWH NCR Director Rey Tagudando, and DPWH South Manila District Engineer Mikunug Macud discussing the damage Typhoon Pedring (international name Nesat) caused to Roxas Boulevard and Manila Bay’s breakwater. It has since been pulled down from DPWH’s Facebook page, but not before it was featured in other websites, including blogs and other social networking sites. The controversial photo has even reached the Washington Post.
Fueled by this online infamy, a Facebook community page “DPWHere” was created on September 30, with members posting their own photo manipulations of the three DPWH officials. Momo, Tagudando, and Macud have been “Photoshopped” on movie posters, TV show and movie stills, tourist spots, screen shots of video games, and even photos of current events.
Members of the advertising community have been quick to contribute their own versions of the photo, including Y&R’s Jay Santiago; Seven AD’s Argem Vinuya; Ace Saatchi’s Gelo Lico; Bates 141’s James Bernardo, Jason Drilon, and Noah Valdez; and BBDO Guerrero’s Dale Lopez, Bixie Reyes, Ian Sta. Maria, and Corey Cruz, and Joe Dy.
As of press time, the DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said that they have already sanctioned the photographer who altered the photograph.
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Thumbnail: retouched image by James Bernardo
