Photo exhibit on NZ quake on display in Makati

MANILA, Philippines - A photo exhibit about the horrors of an earthquake may not bring about a feel good experience, but for the groups behind “Christchurch: See Through My Eyes” the message is simple: Be ready.

The exhibit, organized by the New Zealand embassy in cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), features photographs showing the impact of the 2010 and 2011 quakes in Christchurch communities.

The devastation was viewed through the lens of 24 children aged 11 to 14 who attended workshops conducted by professional photographer Stuart Hale.

The exhibit opened last June 21 and will run until July 5 at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati.

The exhibit, which the UNICEF described as “rich and emotive,“ has been shown at the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch and the St. James Theatre in Wellington.

The organizers find it fitting to bring the exhibit to the Philippines as it is one of the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters.

“The countries on the Pacific Ring of Fire – be it the Philippines, New Zealand, or Japan – share the challenge of high susceptibility to major disasters, which is not a matter of if but when,” said UNICEF Philippines representative Tomoo Hozumi.

“Forms of expressive activity, such as photography, help in the psychosocial recovery of the affected children. I hope this exhibition enhances understanding, compassion and commitment to disaster awareness and preparedness,” he added.

For his part, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Reuben Levermore said that he hopes that the “exhibition will encourage people to reflect on how best to prepare for disasters, including here in the Philippines.”