In celebration of its 40th Anniversary, the UPLB Museum of Natural History launched its first Digital Photo Contest with the theme “Celebrating Philippine Natural Heritage”. The contest aims to feature the richness of Philippine biodiversity and give premium to these natural resources as a heritage to keep.

More than 50 entries that highlighted different forms of biodiversity and natural resources were received. The top 16 entries were pre-screened by Mr. Alastair Gibbons, MNH Volunteer from University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.

The finalists were judged by a panel composed of Dr. Ferdinand “Doc Ferds” Recio, host of GMA7 Born To Be Wild; Mr. Noel Rafael, curator at AVILON Wildlife Conservation Foundation, and Ms. Emma Vincent, MNH Volunteer from University of Nottingham, UK. Evaluation was done during the launching of the new exhibits at the Museum of Natural History on 28 September 2016.

Ronniel Pedales bagged the first place with his entry “Caught in the Ruse” depicting a blowfly on a Rafflesia flower. The entries of Paulo Miguel Kim and Jiro Adorador took home the 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

The photos can be viewed in the exhibit at the MNH lobby until October 30, 2016.