11/06/2024
๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐น๐บ๐บ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐๐น๐ผ๐ด ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ด๐ป ๐๐ถ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ถ๐น๐บ ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐น
DAMULOG, BUKIDNON, June 7 - The Department of the Interior and Local Governmentโs (DILG) Buhay Ingatan, Drogaโy Ayawan (BIDA) Program has taken an innovative approach to spread its anti-drug advocacy by inviting young local filmmakers for the first Damulog Short Film Festival (SFF).
Organized by the Municipal Anti Drug Abuse Council (MADAC), Local Youth Development Council (LYDO), and in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), the SFF offered young local filmmakers, playwrights, and actors a platform to showcase their films and create dialogue between people especially in the illegal drugs issues.
The one night festival, which concluded at the Damulog Public Plaza, showcased eight (8) short films created by high school students from various educational institutions and youth organizations of the Municipality of Damulog.
๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐
"The powerful storytelling and creativity on display at this festival has been remarkable," said Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO) Elsie A. Rebucas. "By partnering with our talented students, we've found an incredibly effective way to raise awareness and rally the community behind our crusade against drugs."
One of the most acclaimed films was "Duwag," a hard-hitting film about the harsh realities and internal struggles faced by individuals who turn to illegal drugs as an escape from societal judgement, family issues, and personal pain. The film took home the Best Film award as well as Best Original Song, Best Film Editor, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress.
โThe film emphasizes that despite oneโs mistakes, it is never too late to seek change and choose the right path, highlighting the importance of friendship, and support in overcoming addiction,โ said Film Writer Neshel Tacocong.
Tacocong also thanked the organizers for the opportunity where they can showcase their talents in storytelling as well as advocate for anti-illegal drugs.
โThe Festival (BIDA Short Film Festival) not only showcases creative talents but also plays a significant role in raising awareness about the dangers of illegal drugs. I thank the efforts of the organizers and I hope this festival continues to inspire and educate more people in the years to come,โ she added.
๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ถ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐
Notably, the municipality was able to fund this festival through the 2023 Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Awards incentive grant where Damulog received the prestigious ADAC Performance Award last year in recognition of its outstanding anti-drug abuse initiatives and campaigns. Along with the award, the municipality was granted 100,000 pesos, which the local government decided to allocate towards organizing and hosting the BIDA SFF as an innovative way to further amplify anti-drug advocacy through art and cinema.
"We are extremely proud of how our young Damulognons have used their talents and voices to support the BIDA program's mission," said Damulog Municipal Mayor Mel L. Buro. "This festival demonstrates the power of filmmaking to raise awareness and inspire change within communities,โ he added.
With its successful debut, Mayor Buro said that the fight against illegal drugs will be strengthened as the BIDA program continues using creative mediums to spread its message of making Damulog a drug-free municipality. (๐ฟ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฟ / ๐. ๐ฝ๐๐๐ช๐)
