Photogs band together to help quake victims in Batanes

A group of photographers is selling their printed photos online as part of efforts to help the victims of the series of earthquakes that hit Batanes over the weekend.

The “Bayanihan para sa Batanes” is a platform for these photographers to sell printed copies of their photos online.

According to Roland Garcia, one of the volunteer photographers, all the proceeds of this project will go to the assistance for the victims of Itbayat earthquakes.

The project started through the initiative of their circle of photographer friends, he said.

“Initiative ito ng kaibigan ko na si Paul Quiambao and Ra Valderrama, who are photographers. They keep on coming back to Batanes,” Garcia told GMA News Online.

“Noong nalaman nila na kailangan ng tulong ng Itbayat, they have an idea to put up a page for those who are willing to sell and donate their photos,” he added.

Garcia said it is their way as photographers of giving back to Batanes which has enamored them with its landscape and culture, and to the "loving Ivatans" who had warmly welcomed them there during their visits.

"This is the best time to give back to Batanes," Garcia said.

The project is offering printed copies of photos in different sizes which cost from P8,000 to P20,000.

According to Garcia, they already earned P58,000 as of Sunday.

Garcia said project is not exclusive for their circle of friends. He encouraged all photographers to join them in helping Batanes recover through their art.

“We’re also calling other photographers and artists who are willing to sell their photographs,” he said.

“Ang kailangan lang, they need to go to Bayanihan para sa Batanes page. Just PM, may sasagot naman in case they have queries and other concerns.” —KBK, GMA News