by Athena Altiche

Photojournalism has historically been a male-dominated field, with men often carrying long-lens cameras and heavy gear to cover the news. However, women have slowly made their mark, breaking the barriers of a profession once thought to be designed only for men.

The fight for greater representation of women in photojournalism still has a long way to go. In the United States, for example, Women Photograph, an organization that monitors the representation of women and non-binary photographers, reports that only 21% of published photographs are taken by women.

While women have made strides in claiming space within the industry, the reality remains that they are still a minority in the field especially in the Philippines.

Joan Bondoc, 65, dared to challenge the norm that only men could be photojournalists. She said that there is no gender in photography, as it all comes down to the eyes on how they choose to capture the moment.

With over three decades of experience, she has spent her career fighting for her rights and her place in the industry. Today, she continues to work as a photojournalist for the Philippine News Agency.

Early years

Bondoc was an activist in the University of the Philippines, while taking a course in creative writing. She joined Philippine Collegian, and from then on, has stayed in the line of photojournalism.

Bondoc recalled that she had no idea what photojournalism was when she first started. She would often tag along with other photographers, learning how to shoot by observing them in the field.

When someone pledged a camera to her for money, she took the opportunity to learn photography. When she entered the newspapers, it was a challenge to cover events as there was also no safety training and equipment provided.

She recalled covering coup d'etat during Cory Aquino, “Bago ako sa dyaryo… kapit ako nang kapit sa mga photogs kasi natatakot ako sa bala. Sa EDSA may bumubulagta.” (When I was new in the newspaper, I kept clinging to the other photographers because I was scared of bullets. On EDSA, people were collapsing).

Challenges of Women Entering Photojournalism

Bondoc challenged the norm that photojournalism is only for men. She said, “Ako ang first woman na pumasok sa linyahan ng mga kalalakihan. Kapag may mga event… hindi sila nakababad sa dyaryo. Hindi sila kailangan makipag-balyahan. Pero ako, naranasan kong makipag-balyahan, patirin, pati pambu-bully ng mga lalaki.” (I was the first woman to enter a field dominated by men. During events, they weren’t often featured in the papers. They didn’t have to push their way through the crowd. But I experienced having to shove, getting kicked, even being bullied by men).

Photos by Ruy Martinez and Joan Bondoc

She said the environment back then was very difficult for her, as men constantly bullied her. Every challenge she went through came with endless tears, especially when men would taunt her with, “Can you do it? Can you really do it?”

Instead of walking away, Bondoc fought the system because she knew she had nowhere else to go but photojournalism. She is passionate about seeing photographs, and in every image, she makes sure to pour her heart into it.

To fight, is also to be assertive of what you want. If someone touches her inappropriately, she calls the man out. No one taught her how to fight—but the long, difficult journey gave her the courage to prove herself that being a woman does not make her any less in the world of photojournalism.

She recalled, “Sabi ng kaibigan ko sa UP noong nagkita kami, ang tigas mo na. Kilala niya kasi ako na malambing. Sabi ko kailangan sa trabaho. Kasi kung hindi ka titigas, papatirin ka nang papatirin.” (My friend from UP said when we met you’ve gotten tough. She knows me as someone who’s affectionate. I said, it’s necessary for work because if you don’t toughen up, people will keep knocking you down).

Multiple Roles of Being a Woman

Bondoc is not just a woman, but also a single mother of two. Her job at the Inquirer financially sustained their lives, especially in supporting her children's education.

She said, “Napakahirap. Noong nasa Inquirer ako, ayos lang kasi mataas ang sahod. Mayroon kaming kooperatiba, mayroon kaming unyon. Kapag kinakapos ako sa tuition kasi UST at Claret siya… naglo-loan ako, kapag nabayaran ‘yun, maglo-loan ako ulit.” (It was very difficult. When I was at the Inquirer, it was manageable because the salary was good. We had a cooperative, we had a union. When I fell short on tuition—because they studied at UST and Claret—I would take out a loan. Once I paid it off, I’d take out another one).

It was a cycle she had to endure to raise her children. During the pandemic, the Inquirer offered her early retirement, which she accepted in order to focus on her family.

For a solo parent, family always comes first. She admitted that during times of family problems, it was challenging to focus. She shared, “Minsan hindi ako makapag-isip ng photo ko. Minsan puro nalang attendance photos ang nagagawa ko. Minsan palabas na ako ng bahay [pamilya] pa rin nasa isip ko.” (Sometimes I couldn’t even think of what photo to take. Sometimes I’d end up with just attendance shots. Sometimes, even as I was heading out of the house, my mind would still be on my family).

Now, Bondoc is back at work this time at the Philippine News Agency to continue providing for her family. Her current job is more flexible, requiring her to submit at least two sets of photos each day.

She regularly goes to the press office at Police Station 10 in Kamuning, along with fellow journalists, making it easier to chase stories and cover the news. She also shared that she will continue working for as long as she is happy with it.

After years of fighting, Bondoc earned her credibility and respect, and no other man can knock her down. She advises women to show their capabilities, and once they see it, respect will follow.

Editor's note:

This article is part of the spotlight interview of members of the Photojournalists' Center of the Philippines. Celebrating the life, work and contribution to the photojournalism industry of the PCP members.

Woman photojournalist carved her own path