Education Secretary Leonor Briones urged learners to support each other when it comes to exploring their talents and skills.
Briones said this after three public high school learners from Alaminos City National High School (ACNHS) were recognized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) during the 6th Film Ambassador’s Night.
“I congratulate our learners who are behind these films that depict the relevant stories of their time and their culture,” Briones said in a statement issued Monday, March 14.
“You have given pride to your school and our country,” Briones explained. “May you all continue to inspire other learners in exploring their talents and skills,” she added.
Grade 12 student Hannah Ragudos, and Grade 10 student Brad Khent Cacho were recognized in the short film category award.
Mark Giddel Liwanag, who is also a Grade 12 student, was acclaimed under the full-length documentary among the 77 entries in the annual awards night.
Liwanag said that it was “overwhelming” to receive such an award. He was also proud to showcase the culture of Alaminos City and the traditions of its people.
The FDCP conducts the annual Film Ambassador’s Night to recognize the films and filmmakers that gave pride to the Philippines in the past year.
In 2021, “Sa Layag ng Bangkang Paurong” of Liwanag also won the Best Documentary Film in the 25th Fresh International Film Festival in Limerick, Ireland. Meanwhile, the film “Ana Bikhayr” and “Ora Miss Mo” of Ragudos and Cacho were both recognized as Encourage Prize Awardees in the 4th Gimpo International Youth Film Festival in South Korea.
The three films were produced by Layag Productions, a film organization composed of high school students under the Special Program for Media Arts of ACNHS.
The three winning films tackle child labor, school bullying, and the importance of time, which are all concerning issues observed by award-winning young filmmakers themselves.