In conjunction with the grand celebration of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), a landmark event known as the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair was held for cinema workers at the Philippine Sports Arena on October 13-14. This initiative, spearheaded by the leadership of the MMFF and its principal stakeholders—the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (MOWELFUND), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), and AKTOR—aligned with the festival’s commitment to bolster the flourishing Philippine cinema industry by directly supporting its backbone: the cinema workers.
The fair is established on the foundation of delivering Mabilis, Maayos, Maginhawa, at Masayang serbisyo publiko, featuring 23 participating agencies that will provide over 100 programs aimed at enhancing the welfare and growth of industry members.
This pioneering initiative is anchored in the Bagong Pilipinas vision promoted by President Marcos, marking a significant step towards recognizing and advocating for the cultural and economic contributions of the creative arts industry to the nation.
Organized under the visionary leadership of House Speaker Atty. Martin G. Romualdez and in strategic partnership with the MMFF leadership , and stakeholders. The Serbisyo Fair was crafted to bridge government services and benefits more closely to those who contribute tirelessly behind the scenes of the film industry. Spearheading this momentous event were MMFF’s Chairman, Atty. Romando Artes; MOWELFUND Chairman, Boots Anson Roa, alongside President and CEO, Rez Cortez; and from the FDCP, Chairman Joey Reyes with Executive Director III, Daniel David Morales, guiding the charge.
“The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair is a pivotal step in ensuring that our cinema workers are recognized, celebrated, and above all, supported,” stated Atty. Romando Artes during the event’s opening ceremony. “Through the collective efforts of the MMFF, MOWELFUND, FDCP, FAP, and AKTOR, we bring forth an era where the government’s helping hand is more accessible to the people who form the backbone of our country’s cinematic ventures.”
Over two days, thousands of cinema workers availed themselves of various government services and benefits, which were specifically tailored to address their unique needs and concerns. The fair not only served as a platform for assistance but also strengthened the sense of community within the industry by providing novelties such as workshops, health consultations, and entertainment segments.
Boots Anson Roa, Chairman of MOWELFUND, emphasized the fair’s role in uplifting the lives of cinema workers. “This is more than just an event; it’s a testament to our continuous commitment to enhancing the welfare of every individual who contributes to the magic of Philippine cinema,” she remarked.
The Bagong Pilinas Serbisyo Fair sets a benchmark for future initiatives aiming to support local cinema workers. Through collaboration and unified support, the MMFF and its stakeholders demonstrate an unwavering dedication to the prosperity and well-being of the film industry’s unsung heroes, laying down a solid foundation for their recognition and security.
