PH Indigenous Cinema Takes Center Stage in Berlinale 2019

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It’s a promising start for Philippine Indigenous cinema this year as a Palawán-Filipino filmmaker will serve as an advisor for the NATIVe – A Journey into Indigenous Cinema special series and Kidlat Tahimik's debut film will have a screening at NATIVe in Berlinale.

Auraeus Solito, also known as Kanakan-Balintagos, is one of the Berlinale NATIVe Advisors who will discuss Indigenous cinema with filmmakers and audiences. His film Busong will be shown at the special series.

Auraeus Solito/Kanakan-Balintagos, one of this year's Berlinale NATIVe Advisors (Photo from the Berlinale website)

Auraeus Solito is thrilled on the international recognition for Philippine Indigenous cinema. He wrote on a Facebook post, “Just amazing that in 2011, Busong (Palawan Fate) premiered at the Cannes Directors' Fortnight, and 8 years later, it screens in another A-list festival, the Berlinale.”

Making the event even more special is the Philippines' National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik who will also showcase his 1977 film Mababangong Bangungot (Perfumed Nightmare) under Berlinale NATIVe.

On the other hand, director and screenwriter Emerson Reyes, cinematographer and director Theo Lozada, director and art/production designer Nestor Abrogena, and director and producer Che Tagyamon were selected for Berlinale Talents among the 3,401 applicants from 130 countries.

Under its mandate to promote the local film industry’s growth and development, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) supports the Filipino Berlinale Talents participants through its International Film Studies Assistance Program (IFSAP) under the Film Development Division.

“Berlinale Talents is one of the best platforms for our Filipino filmmakers to build contacts and connect with the best of the field, and we are happy for our delegates this year. FDCP is proud to support our delegates as we intend to continue supporting the presence of our filmmakers in more international platforms and events,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

The NATIVe – A Journey into Indigenous Cinema special series will run from February 7 to 15, 2019 in Berlin, Germany.

The Berlinale Talents will be held from February 9 to 14, 2019 at the three venues of HAU Hebbel am Ufer theatre in Berlin, Germany.

DOE Turns Over e-trikes to Mandaluyong City Government

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi joins President Rodrigo D. Duterte in turning over e-trikes to the Mandaluyong City Government

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi joins President Rodrigo R. Duterte yesterday (23 January) in turning over 170 electric tricycles (e-trikes) to the city of Mandaluyong during the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (TODA) Summit held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

“We are happy that the tricycle drivers of Mandaluyong now have the opportunity to shift to a more energy efficient and eco-friendly transportation alternative. These e-trikes would diversify our fuel sources and help enhance the country’s energy security,” Sec. Cusi stated.

The Certificate of Turn-Over for the e-trike units was received by Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita "Menchie" A. Abalos.

Mandaluyong City is the sixth recipient of e-trikes under the DOE’s Market Transformation through Introduction of Energy Efficient Electric Vehicles, or the E-Trike Project.

Also present were DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos and the DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau team headed by Director Jesus T. Tamang.

The TODA Summit was organized by the Department of Transportation and Department of Interior and Local Government.

DOE to Review Franchise Compliance of ECs

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi announced the review of all electric cooperatives' (ECs) compliance to the service requirements of their respective franchises, as part of the agency's initiatives to improve power services in the provinces by enhancing EC performance.

While ECs have been the government's long term partners in providing electricity in far-flung areas of the country, many ECs have failed to carry out their mandate for various reasons. These include inefficient management, corruption, unnecessary political interference, as well as institutional conflicts as is the case with DANECO.

The DOE will also look into the rise in missionary subsidies in areas which include, among others, Occidental Mindoro, Catanduanes, Marinduque, and Tablas.

The Energy Secretary will request the National Electrification Administration to submit the technical and financial performance reports of ECs for the last five years.

In addition, ECs will also be asked to submit their road maps and strategies for improving their services, operations and economic viability in the next three years.

"The review will be an inclusive process. We will ask the ECs to identify their main challenges and work with them in determining long-term and sustainable solutions. For transparency purposes, the results of the review will be made available to the public," Sec. Cusi said.

Depending on the review's findings, task forces may be created to assist underperforming ECs.

For non-performing ECs, on the other hand, the DOE may recommend the cancellation of their franchises.

"As we seek to attain total electrification of the country by 2020, we will ensure that all operating ECs are providing the best services to their consumers. Our fellow countrymen deserves nothing less," the Energy Chief concluded.