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DFA says black-and-white photo releases meant to elicit 'stronger reactions' from public

Published Aug 10, 2020 17:19 pm  |  Updated Aug 10, 2020 17:19 pm

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) explained their decision to release photos in black-and-white since last week is meant to draw “stronger reactions” from the public concerning its media releases.

(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

With some media outlets now requesting for colored photos, DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez pointed out, “We can provide colored copies of these pictures but perhaps not all others in the future."

He added, "There was a recent decision to post pictures in black and white to elicit stronger reactions to DFA releases. We will be assessing the effectiveness and making decisions as guided by the data."

The sudden switch in color tones coincided with an international advocacy campaign on social media where netizens from all over the world are posting black-and-white pictures with the caption #challengeaccepted in support of women empowerment.

It also came at a time when rumors are buzzing in and out of the department that DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. is reportedly eyeing a seat in the 2022 senatorial race. 

A former publisher and journalist, Locsin was a member of the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010 representing the 1st district of Makati City.

Under the leadership of Locsin, the DFA visibly made so much effort reaching a wider audience by strengthening its social media platforms where the secretary himself is vociferously active, especially on Twitter.

Aside from Locsin, several other DFA officials have noticeably become active in various social media platforms including Undersecretaries Brigido Dulay and Sara Lou Arriola, and Philippine Charge d’Affaires to Libya Elmer Cato. 

But when it comes to diplomacy, not all DFA officials are inclined to enter the murky realm of social media unless part of an overall strategic communications plan. 

A DFA source told the Manila Bulletin that many of the career diplomats still prefer the “old platforms” due to the sensitive nature of the work they are doing for the country.

“If you notice, the majority of our diplomats do not have Twitter accounts,” a DFA source told the Manila Bulletin. 

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