‘IF THE WALLS CAN TALK’: Escolta Exhibit Explores PHL Deforestation Crisis

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The Pulitzer Center, in collaboration with 98B COLLABoratory, will unveil the art exhibit “If the Walls Can Talk” on December 12 at the historic First United Building in Escolta, Manila, spotlighting the ecological challenges facing the Philippines through art and investigative journalism.

The exhibit features the works of three Filipino artists—Eunice Sanchez, Kookoo Ramos-Cruda, and Resty Flores—who respond to critical issues such as deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

Inspired by Pulitzer Center-supported climate crisis reporting, their pieces delve into the impact of deforestation on the country’s ecosystems and its people.

According to a Pulitzer Center supported story, the Philippines was once blanketed by lush forests spanning 27.5 million hectares—over 90% of the country’s total land area—prior to colonization.

However, centuries of population growth, land conversion, and the absence of a unified forest policy have drastically reduced this coverage.

By the end of American rule, forest cover had dwindled to 15.8 million hectares, dropping further to 10.6 million hectares before Martial Law was declared in 1972.

Following the People Power Revolution in 1986, it shrank even more, reaching just 6.4 million hectares.

Despite reforestation efforts dating back to the 1910s, the country’s forest cover has struggled to recover, stabilizing at an average of under seven million hectares today.

“In today’s highly visual landscape, we harness the roots of street art, taking the message to the streets: the state of the Philippines’ natural environment,” said organizer and photojournalist Veejay Villafranca.

“This will hopefully instigate not just conversations but a wider movement.”

Art Meets Journalism

The exhibit aims to blend art with journalism to inspire action against deforestation and environmental degradation.

Intan Febriani, Director of International Education and Outreach at the Pulitzer Center, highlighted the significance of this collaboration.

“Journalism, like art, sheds light on critical issues such as rainforest protection,” Febriani said. “In this exhibition, Filipino artists engage with investigative journalism to express concerns about deforestation and the expansion of mining, fostering dialogue and inspiring accountability.”

Each artist offers a unique perspective.

Eunice Sanchez’s work explores memory and preservation through alternative photography, while Kookoo Ramos-Cruda brings murals and street art to the forefront of environmental activism.

Resty Flores, a community-centered artist, uses printmaking and sculptures to reflect the experiences of marginalized groups affected by ecological decline.

A Call to Action

The exhibit is part of the Pulitzer Center’s #ShowMeYourTree campaign, a regional effort to protect Southeast Asia’s vital rainforests.

Recent super-typhoons and other climate-related disasters have intensified public concern about deforestation, making the exhibit a timely platform to address these issues.

Visitors can explore not only the art but also the broader implications of deforestation, such as its role in climate change, threats to livelihoods, and the endangerment of future generations.

Curator LK Rigor emphasized the importance of creating accessible art experiences.

“This exhibition is a convergence of artists, journalists, and communities, fostering a shared commitment to preserving our natural resources,” she said.

Event Details

The media vernissage will take place on December 12 at 1:00 PM, featuring immersive installations inside and around the First United Building. Light refreshments will be provided.

For inquiries, contact Pao Vergara via WhatsApp, Viber, or Telegram at +63 927 207 7577.

The exhibit reflects the Pulitzer Center’s commitment to addressing underreported global issues through innovative platforms. It also marks 98B COLLABoratory’s continued role in engaging diverse audiences through contemporary art projects.

By connecting art, journalism, and advocacy, “If the Walls Can Talk” hopes to inspire collective action to protect the Philippines’ remaining forests and ensure a sustainable future.