Davao City (DSWD XI)  – Three powerful films were chosen as grand winners in the first ever DSWD Region XI Film Festival awards night held last July 31, Monday, at the Apo View Hotel.

Katumanan sa Pangandoy, a film by Rexor Amancio, brought home the cash prize of Php 40,000; Alyas Inday Jenny by Michael Joshua Robilla received Php 25,000; while Bayani by Ramil Salon Jr. went home with Php 15,000.

Three more winners received Php 5,000 namely: Itong Tula by John Jeus Yagon, Alaga by Rosebie May Sanchez, and Liwanag by Earle Evita Mae Galindo.

The People’s Choice, with a cash prize of also Php 5,000, was awarded to Itong Tula by John Jeus Yagon.

Ma. Rosario Consuelo Lagman, a communications specialist of the department, emphasized the need to use popular media as medium to better communicate the programs to the public. “Sa paraang ito, nagkaroon na ng mukha ang mga kwentong nababasa lang natin sa website, mga klase-klaseng isyu ng lipunan, at ang iba’t ibang serbisyo ng DSWD (Through this, stories that we read in the website are given human faces, also portrayed are various issues in society and different services of DSWD).”

A total of sixteen short films, produced by thirteen film enthusiasts, featured the different programs and rehabilitation centers of the Department.

Seven renowned filmmakers and critics nationwide were selected to judge the Film Festival entries bearing the theme, DSWD: May Malasakit. (DSWD)