Photo News

Philippine photography finally recognized-

By Joseph F. Galian–

Remember when commercial photography was then revolutionized worldwide by digital “film-less” capture at the start of 1999? It was both bitter and sweet to the taste of the market: bitter because it rendered conventional photography as obsolete and expensive; sweet because it was cheaper and more instantaneous!

A decade later on November 5 and 6, 2009, the first-ever national assessment on Basic Photography National Certification (Level) II was conducted at the office of Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc. (FPPF) in Intramuros, Manila. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) represented by senior specialist Mercedes E. Javier supervised the assessment in tandem with Joseph F. Galian – the first accredited assessor (by endorsement) for Photography NC ll. TESDA is the government’s arm in setting standards for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP), led by its president Gerald Carual of the Laguna Times, was the first group to pass the assessment and received the certification. Photography lecturers Edwin Celestino and Toti Abdul of College of St. Benilde, School of Design and Arts under the Multi-media Arts Program (MMA) were the second batch to be assessed.

Like the digital revolution that swept photography and photographers by surprise, the national assessment was met with bitter/sweet reactions again. This is good because it shows that the industry is indeed thriving. It can be bitter to some accomplished photographers and sweet to others who want their credentials be recognized by the government without spending bundles of cash to get a college degree.

However, you may view it that TESDA is taking photography seriously through its humble efforts to professionalize the teaching methodologies and practices of all academic institutions offering photography. The first-ever AB Photography degree program in the country has just been offered by the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, School of Design and Arts (conforming to the laws of the Commission on Higher Education or CHED) – with Leo Santos as its chairperson.

Here is an axiom: “You don’t need a TESDA certification if you think that you don’t need it.” The government is not a “Big Brother” to hound you for a photo license every time you touch a camera. It is still a free world here with an open market economy so there is no need to feel “guilty” or “incompetent” if you don’t have such certification. And no self-righteous TESDA-certified photographer has the right to look down upon “unlicensed,” self-taught photographers – hobbyists, amateurs or pros. In fact, Ansel Adams didn’t have a TESDA certification yet we respect him and his artworks. The promulgation of the Training Regulation is always industry-driven.

Since general photography involves technical skills (in part) that can be measured, TESDA will assess a candidate based on direct observation with oral questioning on four Core Competencies: 1) operate camera and compose a subject; 2) set up studio light (equipment and accessories); 3) perform post-capture processes; and 4) present finished products (prints). It is roughly a two-and-a-half hour practical demonstration exam per individual. Digital photography is strongly preferred by assessors due to its expediency during assessment. You will have to set up your DSLR instantly, shoot a model, and print out your shots while the photo assessor asks you basic technical questions. It is either you pass or fail.

Photography, when offered as the course itself falls under TVET. Remember it is just TVET or a college degree. For an individual to get a certification, he must undergo an assessment conducted by an accredited assessor following the prescribed method of direct observation/demonstration with oral questioning. There is an official assessment package used in any assessment activity. There should always have a TESDA representative (technical officer) to ensure that the prescribed procedures defined in the Procedure’s Manual for the conduct of Competency Assessment are properly followed.

Anybody who passes the NC II assessment will be certified for five years in the qualification he or she applied for. For prospective assessors, they must register for the Training Program with TESDA; the trainers must first be certified (NC II) and will have passed the Assessment Methodology Course and Training Methodology Course conducted by TESDA. Assessors’ accreditation is good for two years only and renewal is subject to the approval of the district director, based on one’s performance.

Filipinos are among the best photographers in the world. It is good to know that the government is doing something remarkable for the industry. This dream has become a reality through the effort of FPPF under the leadership of Ms. Eduviges Huang – by galvanizing known and learned Filipino photographers, educators, and business personalities in the industry to establish Photography NC II with the future in mind. It is revolutionary indeed.