REEL CHANGE: A New Dawn for Filipino Filmmakers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a powerful convergence of film and labor rights advocacy, the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) and the Department of Labor and Employment’s Bureau of Working Conditions (DOLE-BWC) staged an event that could very well reshape the landscape of the Philippine entertainment industry.

On March 9, 2025, the Dencar Theater at MOWELFUND, Quezon City, became the epicenter of change as industry pioneers, filmmakers, and labor advocates gathered for "REEL CHANGE: Empowering Filipino Filmmakers through Learning and Innovation." This groundbreaking initiative was not just a mere seminar—it was a bold step toward instilling behavioral change and reinforcing workplace safety in the entertainment industry.

A Call for Safe, Inclusive, and Dignified Workspaces

Opening the event with a firm stance on workplace rights, DOLE-BWC Director Atty. Alvin B. Curada underscored the urgent need to protect the dignity of every worker in the industry, regardless of position or gender. His call to action echoed the broader vision of the 2025 National Women’s Month celebration—one that prioritizes empowerment, inclusivity, and the eradication of harassment in all forms.

At the heart of this advocacy was Dr. Marco Antonio Valeros, DOLE-BWC Medical Officer IV, who delved into two crucial laws:

Republic Act No. 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act)

Republic Act No. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act, or the “Bawal Bastos” Law)

Through his talk, "GBSH Safe Spaces Act: Promoting Safe Workspaces," Dr. Valeros emphasized how these legal safeguards should not just exist on paper but must be ingrained into the daily operations of every production set.

"Workplace harassment is not just an individual problem—it’s a systemic issue. Employers and workers alike share the responsibility of creating a culture where safety and respect are non-negotiable," he stressed.

A key point of discussion was the empowerment of Committees on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) to proactively address harassment cases. This, combined with industry-wide awareness campaigns, aims to establish a zero-tolerance policy against gender-based violence and harassment in film and television.

A Star-Studded Commitment to Change

The event brought together some of the most influential figures in Philippine cinema, each lending their voice to the movement for a safer and more professional industry.

FAP Director General Paolo Villaluna led the participants, which included:

Manny Morfe – Veteran production designer and former FAP OIC

Mark Meily – President, Director’s Guild of the Philippines, Inc.

Raymond Red, Pam Miras, Jules Katanyag, Dustin Celestino, Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan, Michael Angelo Dagñalan, Paul Sta. Ana, Seymour Sanchez, Max Celada, Celeste Lapida – Filmmakers

Janel Gutierrez, Kristine Kintana – Producers

Hero Bautista – President, Katipunan ng mga Artista ng Pelikulang Pilipino at Telebisyon

Evangeline Torcino – Founder and President, Philippine Talent Guilds

The participation of these key industry figures signaled a united front in advocating for systemic improvements in labor rights, workplace safety, and industry ethics.

Cinema as a Mirror: Learning Through Film

One of the event’s highlights was the screening of the award-winning short film, "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die." Directed by Sam Manacsa and produced by Chad Cabigon, the film served as a mirror reflecting the grim realities of workplace struggles.

A talkback session following the screening provided a platform for open discussions on personal experiences, challenges, and the urgent need for cultural shifts within the industry. Attendees were given the space to reflect, exchange insights, and strategize actionable solutions moving forward.

Navigating Intimacy and Professionalism on Set

A particularly compelling segment of the program was led by Dr. Missy Maramara, an intimacy director and coordinator. With many productions still navigating the complexities of filming sensitive scenes, her workshop, "Bawas Tao sa Set," became an eye-opening experience for attendees.

Through a combination of in-depth discussions and hands-on exercises, Dr. Maramara demonstrated:

Proper set protocols for intimate or challenging scenes

The role of consent and communication in production

How to create a safe and respectful working environment

Her guidance provided a roadmap for ensuring both safety and professionalism, reinforcing the message that ethical filmmaking must never be compromised for the sake of art.

Scaling Up: The Road Ahead

With actress and filmmaker Sheenly Gener as the event’s host, the REEL CHANGE initiative concluded on an optimistic note, with FAP and DOLE-BWC announcing plans to expand the program.

The goal? To make these discussions a permanent fixture in the industry, with more comprehensive training sessions, workshops, and policy-driven collaborations in the near future.

As the Philippine entertainment industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: change is no longer just an idea—it is an active movement. The industry’s biggest names have spoken, and the time for safe, inclusive, and ethical filmmaking is now.

A Future Built on Integrity and Innovation

With REEL CHANGE igniting the spark, the challenge now lies in sustaining the momentum. The battle against workplace harassment, unsafe conditions, and industry exploitation is far from over, but this event proved that collective action is the key to transforming the entertainment landscape.

Filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders have set the stage for a future where passion for cinema is matched by an unwavering commitment to dignity and respect. And in this new era, every frame captured must be a testament to the industry's dedication to ethical filmmaking.

The spotlight is now on everyone to keep the reel change rolling.

A Revolution on the Plate: UNESCO's Call for Nutritious School Meals to Shape a Healthier Future

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Paris, March 27, 2025 – A child’s future is often shaped by what’s on their plate. Yet, despite the increasing global availability of school meals, a new UNESCO report reveals a troubling reality: nutritional quality remains an afterthought in many school meal programs. As the world grapples with rising child obesity and food insecurity, UNESCO is sounding the alarm—demanding an urgent transformation in school food policies to ensure that what children eat fuels both their health and learning.

Beyond Access: The Quality Crisis in School Meals

For years, policymakers have celebrated the progress in making school meals accessible, with nearly half of the world’s primary school children now receiving food at school. However, as UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay stresses, access alone is not enough.

"We need to go further and look at what is on their plates. The focus should be on balanced meals made with fresh produce, and teaching children good eating habits to ensure they grow up healthy. It’s a major issue for health and education,” Azoulay declared.

The numbers paint a stark picture: nearly 27% of school meals worldwide are designed without consulting nutritionists, and less than half of all countries have strict regulations on the food served in schools. Even among the 93 nations with food policies in place, many lack enforcement mechanisms, allowing unhealthy, ultra-processed foods to infiltrate school cafeterias.

This oversight comes at a dangerous cost. The rate of childhood obesity has more than doubled since 1990, while food insecurity is also on the rise. Without urgent intervention, today’s generation of students could be left battling the consequences of malnutrition—whether in the form of undernourishment or diet-related diseases.

Food as an Educational Tool: The Case for Nutrition Reform

UNESCO’s latest report, “Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well,” released in time for the Nutrition for Growth summit hosted by France, argues that school meals should be more than just a feeding program—they should be an integral part of a child’s education.

"Schools must be a place where healthy habits are cultivated, not undermined. Eating locally produced, fresh school meals, delivered by informed school nutritionists is part of a child’s education," says Daniel Humm, UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador for Food Education and a three Michelin-starred chef.

Scientific studies back this claim. UNESCO’s research confirms that school meals not only combat undernourishment but also increase enrollment rates by 9% and attendance by 8%, while boosting students’ academic performance. The simple act of providing fortified, nutrient-rich meals has already demonstrated remarkable improvements in children’s focus, memory, and overall well-being.

Global Success Stories: Leading the Way in Nutrition

Despite the widespread shortcomings, some countries have successfully turned school meals into a powerful tool for public health and education:

Brazil: The national school feeding program, supported by UNESCO, banned ultra-processed foods and emphasized fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

China: A policy introducing vegetables, milk, and eggs in rural schools dramatically improved children’s nutrient intake and school attendance.

Nigeria: Since 2014, the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme has provided daily balanced meals to public primary school students, raising enrollment rates by 20%.

India: The inclusion of fortified organic pearl millet in Maharashtra schools has enhanced adolescent cognitive abilities, particularly attention span and memory.

These initiatives prove that quality matters—and that prioritizing fresh, nutritious meals is not just possible, but essential.

A Call to Action: Making Nutrition a Priority in Schools

UNESCO is pushing for governments and educators worldwide to adopt food education as a core part of school curricula. This means:

Shifting towards fresh, locally sourced foods in school meals

Eliminating ultra-processed and high-sugar options

Enforcing strict nutritional guidelines for school cafeterias and vending machines

Educating students on healthy eating habits from an early age

To aid in this transition, UNESCO is developing a comprehensive toolkit for schools and policymakers, including a practical manual and training programs for educators. The initiative will also align with the Coalition for School Meals, which works to ensure that every child receives a nutritious meal at school.

The Role of Culinary Leaders in School Nutrition

Recognizing the power of food in shaping cultures and societies, UNESCO has enlisted the help of renowned chefs to advocate for better school meals. Mauro Colagreco has been working on biodiversity in food, while Daniel Humm focuses on food education—both playing critical roles in pushing for sustainable and health-conscious food policies.

By blending culinary excellence with education, UNESCO aims to transform the way the world feeds its children—one meal at a time.

Conclusion: A Future Built on Healthy Plates

School meals are more than just a daily necessity; they are a foundation for lifelong health, learning, and well-being. UNESCO’s bold call for action challenges governments, educators, and communities to rethink how we nourish our children—not just in terms of quantity, but quality.

With the right policies and commitment, the school cafeteria can become a classroom of its own—where children not only eat to fill their stomachs but learn to fuel their future.

The Dutertes’ Audacious Play: Twisting the Ninoy Narrative to Serve Their Agenda

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In an expected but still astounding display of political maneuvering, Sara Duterte and the loyalists of the Duterte Diehard Supporters (DDS) have attempted to walk back the glaringly deliberate comparison of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Their latest excuse? That the comparison merely alluded to the murder of Ninoy upon his return to the Philippines in 1983—and should not extend beyond that.

But any discerning observer would see the real subtext: the Dutertes are setting up Digong as a martyr.

A Political Chess Move, Not an Offhand Remark

This was no slip of the tongue, no off-the-cuff comment uttered in passing. It was a calculated move—Duterte-style. By invoking Ninoy’s name, they were not only attempting to reposition Digong’s image but also taking a direct jab at the Marcoses, their uneasy allies-turned-rivals.

They know the weight Ninoy’s assassination carries in Philippine history. It was the catalyst that triggered the downfall of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s dictatorship, culminating in the People Power Revolution of 1986. By tying Duterte’s current predicament—facing crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC)—to Ninoy’s fate, they aim to shape a narrative that paints him as a victim rather than a perpetrator.

But let’s not ignore the glaring irony here.

The Hypocrisy of the Duterte Camp

For years, the Duterte family and their supporters have viciously demonized Ninoy, the Aquinos, and everything associated with the post-Marcos democracy. They lumped all opposition under the pejorative "dilawan," a term they weaponized to discredit any voice that dared to challenge their rule. They ridiculed People Power, dismissed Ninoy’s sacrifice as self-serving, and branded the Aquino administration as the root of all the nation’s problems.

Yet now, with Duterte in the crosshairs of international justice, they have the audacity to co-opt the very legacy they sought to destroy. They are shamelessly adopting Ninoy’s martyrdom as a shield, hoping to deflect the damning accusations tied to Digong’s bloody drug war.

The Dutertes are not just twisting history—they are attempting to steal it.

The Dark Irony of the "Martyr" Narrative

Perhaps the most absurd part of this political gambit is how they attempt to use Ninoy’s name to allude to a wrongful killing—when Duterte’s legacy is inseparable from state-sponsored killings.

The name Duterte is synonymous with “tokhang” and extrajudicial killings (EJKs). The thousands who perished in the brutal anti-drug campaign were victims of a regime that treated human lives as collateral damage.

For the Duterte camp to suddenly cry martyrdom is the height of audacity.

They built their empire on violence, fear, and the erosion of democratic principles. Now, as the walls close in on them, they want to rewrite their story as one of persecution.

But the Filipino people, especially those who truly understand history, won’t be fooled so easily.