by Info | December 28, 2022
In line with his advocacy of boosting the country’s film industry, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go attended the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2022 Gabi ng Parangal on Tuesday, December 27, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City where he presented the award for the three best pictures, including Deleter, Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told, and Nanahimik Ang Gabi, respectively.
As part of the MMFF Executive Committee, Go then invited his fellow Filipinos to head to the nearest cinemas and support films that are participating in this year’s MMFF from December 25 to January 7.
Go has been known to advocate for the Philippine movie industry even before becoming a senator. In this regard, Go expressed his continued support for the said sector to open up more opportunities and ensure more moviemakers are inspired to create more quality films that could cater to audiences not only in the Philippines but also worldwide.
“Muli ko pong inaanyayahan ang lahat ng pamilyang Pilipino na suportahan at tangkilikin ang mga pelikulang kalahok sa Metro Manila Film Festival ngayong taon,” said Go in a video message.
“The MMFF showcases the country's best and brightest talents in the film industry. It is a celebration of Filipino culture and creativity, and an opportunity for all Filipinos to come together and enjoy some of the most exciting and entertaining films of the year,” he highlighted.
The senator remains persistent in enriching the country’s film sector, citing that, throughout the years, it has significantly contributed to Filipinos’ culture and the country’s economy.
Recalling the heyday of the Philippine cinema, Go then expressed his optimism that with the help of the government and other stakeholders, Filipino filmmakers will be able to create world-class content.
“Sa kabila ng mga krisis na ating pinagdaanan nitong nakaraang mga taon, patunay ang MMFF sa katatagan hindi lamang ng film industry, kundi ang pagiging malikhain ng mga Pilipino,” Go expressed.
“Sa pamamagitan ng iyong suporta, makatutulong tayo sa pagsulong ng mayamang kultura ng Pilipinas at pagpapakita ng talento ng iyong kapwa Pilipino sa mundo,” he added.
For his part, Go has proposed Senate Bill No. 1183, otherwise known as the "Media and Entertainment Workers’ Welfare Act”, which shall provide enhanced protection, security and incentives for media workers through additional health insurance package, overtime and night differential pay, and other benefits.
In the explanatory note of his proposed bill, Go stated that media and entertainment workers, as part of the labor force, play a vital role in society and the economy.
“They provide news, entertainment and other essential contents we need to keep us posted on all the current events happening around us. In recognition for their invaluable contribution in the society and the hazardous circumstances they are exposed to during crises, it is right and proper to commensurate their hard work with just emoluments and added labor protection under the law,” Go cited.
“Bilang mambabatas, asahan ninyo na patuloy kong isusulong ang mga panukalang batas at susuportahan ang mga programa upang mas lalong maprotektahan ang inyong mga karapatan at mas mapabuti ang inyong kapakanan,” he reassured.
Likewise, Go earlier proposed prior to the pandemic to make the MMFF twice a year to further help film workers and artists. The MMFF Executive Committee approved the idea then but unfortunately had to postpone holding a summer film festival in 2020 due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 health crisis.
“As a Senator, iniisip ko paano tayo mas makakatulong sa mga Filipino artists natin.
Napansin ko, tuwing Disyembre ay inaabangan talaga itong MMFF hindi lang sa Metro Manila pati na rin sa mga probinsya. Ang suggestion ko po para makatulong, with your permission and approval ay maging twice a year po ang MMFF kung kakayanin po ng inyong resources at panahon niyo, panahon natin lahat. Magtulungan tayo,” he earlier stated.
Go said he is happy that the MMFF plans to revive the idea and push through with a summer film festival next year.
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