By Aliyah Magbitang

The Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP) successfully conducted its two-day 4th Photojournalism and Visual Storytelling Workshop on June 23 and 24, 2026 with its partner institution, Restituto B. Peria National High School (RBPNHS) in Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija.

Now on its fourth run, the workshop, participated in by campus journalists, student paper advisers and mentors, was carried out in time for the Taong Putik Festival which is celebrated every June 24 in Bibiclat. The conduct of the workshop, which is part of PCP Outreach Program, was facilitated by former PCP Chairpersons Jimmy Domingo and Jun Sepe, former Vice Chair Rolex dela Pena and current Secretary Eli Sepe. They were supported by journalism students from UP Diliman– Duañe Anosa, Allyana Barquira, Grace Jintalan, and Aliyah Magbitang– who are currently on internship with PCP, and RBPNHS teachers Donabel Agustin and Regimel S. Vilatcha.

On June 23, Jimmy Domingo engaged the participants in a lecture-discussion on the fundamentals of photojournalism and visual storytelling followed by a lecture on news caption writing by Aliyah Magbitang.

After the lectures, the participants headed to St. John the Baptist Parish where they took photos, as part of photography exercises, of the parade and procession as prelude to the festival.

June 24 began as early as 3 a.m. for the participants, volunteers and mentors. Each volunteer was assigned to a group of participants that they guided throughout the day for the documentation of Pagsa-San Juan ritual.

As the Catholic devotees gathered in the rice fields before dawn to cover their faces and bodies with mud and mud-soaked dried banana leaves and other vines , the crisp chorus of clicking shutters coming from the cameras of the participants echoed across the fields, capturing each act of faith and devotion.

‘Pagsa-San Juan’

Pagsa-San Juan dates back to 1944 when the Philippine archipelago was occupied by Japanese forces. Townsfolk in Bibiclat believed that it was a miracle intervention when Filipino guerillas were saved from execution at the hands of the Japanese soldiers.

As the Filipino guerillas were led to the plaza before a firing squad around noon time, all of a sudden, it rained hard. Japanese soldiers, who were the biggest worshippers of the sun, believed it was a bad omen and did not push through with the execution.

The miraculous turn of events intensified the devotion to St. John the Baptist. Since then, the tradition has evolved into what is now known as the Taong Putik Festival.

From the ricefields, the mud-covered devotees walk silently through the streets to ask for alms and candles that they will offer in the mass.

Young Novo Ecijano journos as chroniclers of their tradition

Although the 4th workshop followed the familiar format of previous years with the goal of gearing up young Novo Ecijano journalists on covering the muddy rituals, this year's program sharpened its focus on photojournalism as a powerful tool for preserving and promoting cultural traditions.

RBPNS principal Gandhi B. Cardenas II, EdD emphasized the significant role of photojournalism in documenting cultural traditions like the Taong Putik Festival.

“Photographs capture powerful moments that words alone cannot fully express. They preserve memories, document our traditions, and serve as valuable historical records that future generations can learn from and appreciate,” said Cardenas, in his welcome remarks..

Cardenas, who majored in history for his undergraduate course, also underscored the importance of younger generations participating in community traditions and how it contributes to a deeper understanding of their own culture.

“Immersing young people in community traditions is essential because first-hand experience allows them to better understand the roots, meaning, and history behind these practices. Culture is not learned through stories alone, it is best appreciated by actively participating in it,” he emphasized.

Monice Baltazar, a second-time participant and layout artist of the school’s official student publication The Restians, echoed these sentiments and said, “We are its first keepers and we should take care of it.”

Baltazar also highlighted how photojournalism helped in drawing more attention to the annual celebration, which allowed more people to appreciate it.

James Gregor Valino, staffer of The Blaze, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology’s school publication, underscored the importance of having the residents of Aliaga and nearby towns in Nueva Ecija document the tradition.

“Kultura natin ito, isa itong tanda o bakas ng ating kasaysayan, tayo ang may mas oportunidad na makilala ang ating kultura, kung hindi tayo, sino?” Valino exclaimed.

(This is our culture. It is a symbol and a trace of our history. We have the greatest opportunity to understand our own culture—if not us, then who?)

Every workshop is an opportunity
It is through these hands-on workshops held alongside community celebrations, participants gain practical experience while covering local traditions and cultural practices.

For Clarisse Ekstrom, a civil engineering student at Tarlac State University, opportunities and workshops are limited to her. A recipient of the Gene Boyd Lumawag Workshop Grant of the 17th PCP 5-day flagship workshop, Ekstrom attended this year’s workshop to further deepen her understanding of visual storytelling.

“I am eager to join these workshops to gain in-depth and comprehensive knowledge in photojournalism,” Ekstrom said.

Despite taking a different academic path, her interest in photojournalism stems from her desire to amplify the voice of the marginalized communities. She believes the workshop offers more than theoretical training, as it also equips participants to assess critical situations and make ethical decisions in the field.

“I would be able to learn from them (veteran photojournalists) how to photograph and make an effective visual storytelling without stripping off the subject’s dignity but instead empowering their stories,” Ekstrom said.

David Lacambra, also a staffer from The Blaze publication, said that the workshop was a wonderful experience for him, who is pursuing a degree far from journalism.

“Kahit na nakaka-pressure, knowing na veteran photojournalists ang magtuturo, kasama, at mag-ci-critique sa outputs, inisip ko na part ito ng personal growth as a photojournalist,” he said.

(Even though it was intimidating, knowing that veteran photojournalists would be teaching, working alongside us, and critiquing our outputs, I saw it as part of my personal growth as a photojournalist.)

Lacambra also claimed that the workshop embarked both personal and career growth on him. “Mas nakita ko yung progress ko as a photojournalist, marami pang kailangan matutuhan, pero may pag-usad na,” he said.

(I was able to see my progress as a photojournalist. I still have a lot to learn, but I've already made meaningful progress.)

The PCP Outreach Program for community storytellers and student journalists started in 2023. There were also other outreach events held in Quezon City, Sagada (Mountain Province) and Moncada (Tarlac).

The 4th PCP Outreach Workshop in Bibiclat was supported by Saturday News Forum and RBPNHS teachers Dona Agustin, Regimel Vilatcha and John Lowie H. Galvez.

The following are the workshop participants and a gallery of their outputs:

Photo Gallery

Photographer: Clarisse Ekstrom, Tarlac State University

𝙏𝘼𝙊𝙉𝙂 𝙋𝙐𝙏𝙄𝙆. Hundreds of Catholic Devotees covered themselves with mud and dried banana leaves, to take part in the annual 'Taong Putik' (Mud People) Festival in Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija on June 24. Devotees, fulfilling their personal vows for healing and answered prayers, silently walk through the streets to beg for alms and candles before gathering for mass to honor Saint John the Baptist.

Photographer: James Gregor Valino, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology

Devotees of the annual Taong Putik Festival once again upheld the centuries-old tradition on June 24, 2026 in Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija in honor of San Juan Bautista. A tradition rooted in history and faith, the festival is held in commemoration of the events during World War 2, where residents of Bibiclat were spared from Japanese execution by disguising themselves in mud aided by a heavy rainfall which is believed to be the intercession of their patron San Juan Bautista.

Photographer: Monice Joyce Baltazar, Restituto B. Peria National High School

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Nakiisa ang mga residente at deboto sa banal na misa bilang bahagi ng Taong Putik Festival, isang taunang tradisyong ginaganap tuwing Hunyo 24 bilang pagdiriwang ng kaarawan ni Apo San Juan Bautista.

Photographer: Nash Respicio, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology - Gabaldon Campus

Devotees gather in prayer during the annual Taong Putik Festival in Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, honoring St. John the Baptist through faith, tradition, and devotion on June 24, 2026.

Photographer: Alexandra Dizon, Restituto B. Peria National High School

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Covered in mud and dry banana leaves yet united through faith, tradition and sacrifices, an annual celebration of the Taong Putik Festival that includes a mass held at the Diocesan Shrine of St. John the Baptist Parish that reunited him and his devotees together. A Holy Mass served as a powerful reminder that true devotion is reflected not only in rituals but also in humility, gratitude, and community, which focuses on remembering the miraculous rain that occurred during the Japanese colonization in Brgy. Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, on June 24.

Photographer: David Lacambra, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology

Bitbit ang pananampalataya at pag-asa, sinusuot ng mga deboto ang tuyong dahon ng saging habang nababalot ng putik ang kanilang katawan sa pagdiriwang ng Pista ng Taong Putik o kilala rin na "Pag-sa-San Juan", Brgy. Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. Ipinagdiriwang sa pagkilala kay San Juan Bautista, ang pista ay nagmula ayon sa isang salaysay noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig kung saan ang mga lokal ay nakaligtas mula sa mga hapong sundalo dahil sa pagbuhos ng ulan na pinaniniwalaang masamang palatandaan.

Photographer: Michaella Viernes, Restituto B. Peria National High School

A powerful moment of devotion captured during the taong putik festival in bibiclat aliaga nueva ecija. The intricate details of their costumes and the intensity of their expressions reflect deep-rooted traditions.

Photographer: Duane Añosa, University of the Philippines - Diliman, PCP Intern

Devotees of St. John the Baptist take part in the annual Taong Putik Festival in Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija on June 24. Clad in mud and dried leaves, these ‘mud people’ fulfill personal vows, offering prayers for the healing of sick loved ones, seeking blessings for a prosperous life, or taking their first step toward repentance.

Photographer: Grace Anne Jintalan, University of the Philippines - Diliman, PCP Intern

Mud-covered devotees gather at St. John the Baptist Parish every June 24 in Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija for the annual Taong Putik Festival, depicting their patron saint's miracle during the Japanese occupation.

Photographer: Allyana Barquira, University of the Philippines - Diliman, PCP Intern

At the crack of dawn, devotees of St. John the Baptist in Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija walk to the rice fields to cover themselves in mud and drape their bodies in dried leaves. Transforming into the "Taong Putik", they walk toward the church, moving from house to house to collect alms and candles along the way as a profound act of penance and deep humility.

Photographer: Aliyah Magbitang, University of the Philippines - Diliman, PCP Intern

Catholic devotees cover their faces and bodies with mud and dried banana leaves as an act of penance and devotion to St. John the Baptist. Held every June 24 in Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, the Taong Putik rites symbolize humility, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal as participants walk through the streets to beg for alms and candles.