Cebu city: The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has announced the winners of its Concrete in Life 2025/26 global photography competition, with photographer Celbert Palaganas of the Philippines winning the top US$10,000 Photo of the Year prize for 'Pillars Across the Sea'. (US$1 = RM3.96) Taken in Cebu City, the image captures green coastal plants in the foreground while the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, the Philippines' longest bridge, stretches across the horizon, contrasting nature and engineering.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, GCCA Chief Executive, Thomas Guillot, remarked in a statement that the competition showcased 'spectacular images' that illustrate concrete's positive impact on people's lives worldwide. Chris George, a competition judge and Digital Camera World Content Director, commended the winning image for its composition and depth of field.

Four category winners were also announced, each receiving US$2,500. Ralph Emerson De Peralta won the Urban Concrete category for 'Dubai Rising', while Rafly Rinaldy secured the Concrete Infrastructure category for 'Hidden Connection', which features Jakarta's MRT rail tunnel. Naitao Li triumphed in the Concrete in Daily Life category with 'Time and Space Travellers' in Harbin, China, while Marcel Van Balken was awarded the Beauty and Design category for 'Triangles' set in Antwerp, Belgium.

The public-voted People's Vote prize, with a US$5,000 reward, was awarded to Aung Chan Thar for 'Rhythm on Concrete', set in Hanoi, Vietnam. The annual competition, run by GCCA, attracted more than 20,000 entries from professional and amateur photographers, as well as smartphone users worldwide, highlighting how concrete supports modern life while also offering moments of beauty, creativity, and human connection.