ARRAY and The Pilipino Workers Center present a powerful photo exhibit and public dialogue featuring the acclaimed work of photojournalist Raffy Lerma, whose haunting images document the brutal realities of the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs” in the Philippines. Through photographs that confront themes of media suppression, human rights violations, and authoritarian violence, the exhibit serves as both testimony and resistance.

The program also includes a critical conversation on the role of journalism and art in defending truth and democracy—both in the Philippines and globally.

In addition, the exhibit will feature a cultural display centered on solidarity and hope. A dedicated section will showcase photographs inspired by the Stop the Hate movement, highlighting the impact of race-based violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. This portion of the exhibit underscores the shared struggles for justice, collective healing, and cross-cultural solidarity.

Adding a powerful visual element, PWC’s iconic jeepney will also be on display—adorned with messages of resilience, unity, and hope from the community. Together, these elements create a space for reflection, remembrance, and the possibility of healing across borders.

EVENT SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

• 1:00 PM | Doors open for check-in & Exhibit Pre-View
• 2:00 PM | Program Begins: Presentation by Raffy Lerma
• 3:00 PM | Panel Discussion: Defending Truth and Democracy
• 3:45 PM | Closing Ceremony
• 4:00 PM | Final Exhibit Viewing
• 5:00 PM | Event Ends

ABOUT RAFFY

Raffy Lerma is a freelance photojournalist and documentary photographer based in Manila, Philippines. He began his career in photojournalism as a student of the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Diliman, covering events and street protests that led to the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada in 2001. He worked as a staff photographer for the Philippine Collegian, the university’s official student publication, and later served as its Photo Editor in 2004.

Lerma finished his Diploma in Photojournalism at the Konrad Adenauer Asian Center for Journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University. He was also the Philippine representative in Hanoi, Vietnam, for World Press Photo – Asia Europe Foundation Forum for Young Photographers in 2004.

For 12 years, Lerma worked as a staff photographer for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, covering the daily news beat in Metro Manila. He has shifted into working independently to focus on his documentation of the Philippines’ war on drugs. He has received numerous awards for his work in the Philippines’ war on drugs, including the Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) for best news photograph and an award of distinction from the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. He was also a finalist twice for the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Grant in 2017 and 2018.

Lerma has been exhibiting his photographs and giving talks in different parts of the Philippines and the world to help disseminate to a broader audience the realities of the drug war in the country.

Learn more about Raffy Lerma.

Learn more about The Pilipino Workers Center.

THINGS TO KNOW

Content Warning: This event will showcase imagery of sensitive nature that may be disturbing or traumatizing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

Please refrain from submitting more than two RSVPS per email. By attending the event at ARRAY, you acknowledge and consent to being photographed, videotaped, and/or livestreamed. You irrevocably grant ARRAY and its affiliates the right to use, reproduce, and distribute any images, video footage, or recordings taken of you during the event, in perpetuity, without limitation, and for any purpose whatsoever, including but not limited to promotional and commercial uses. You waive any right to receive compensation for such use, and you release ARRAY, its subsidiaries, and their respective agents from any claims, demands, or actions arising out of or in connection with the use of such images or recordings. Please review ARRAY’s House Rules in your confirmation email in full before arrival.