Good news for movie workers and Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund)!

   As the welfare agency turns 48 this year, Mowelfund moves to a new building in the same Rosario Drive compound in Cubao, Quezon City, even as it offers better and higher perks to those who want to avail of what it calls Platinum Membership.

  This is offered to film workers who can afford a higher annual membership fee that will allow them increased monetary amounts in benefits. They can also enjoy additional perks such as discounts in courses and workshops, plus a personal insurance coverage for one year.

   Mowelfund chair Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo said that in the last 48 years, the foundation has consistently dedicated its welfare services to its 4,000 members, mostly marginalized film workers and their families.

  Among these benefits are P8,000 for a maximum of three hospital confinements per year, surgical aid in the amount of P13,000 per year for a major surgical procedure, continuing medication (P5,000 maximum reimbursement), and P35,000 funeral assistance.

    Boots also announced that film workers who want to go into small businesses between jobs can avail of an exclusive deal that Mowelfund has entered into with Potato Corner and Healthy and Pure Water. No franchising fee is required for members.

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   Speaking of its new home, Boots said that Mowelfund’s new building is a 6-storey, 8,286 sqm structure that will house a 54-seater, state -of-the-art theater and an ultra- modern post-production facility that is now already operational.

    The new building is the result of a joint realty development project between Mowelfund and Victor Consunji and Company. The latter has built a series of first-class townhouses in the compound.

  “Right now, we are installing equipment,   technical   provisions  and amenities for classrooms and production facilities,” according to Mowelfund president Rez Cortez. 

  As the foundation looks forward to celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, Cortez says

Mowelfund is committed to provide medical and other health benefits as well as educational opportunities to its marginalized workers.

    At the height of the pandemic, the foundation conducted online workshops on acting, writing, directing and cinematography.

   Former President Joseph Estrada, a retired actor and producer, founded the organization in March 1974.

   Mowelfund’s other officers are Gina   Alajar, Edgardo Vinarao, Jim Baltazar, and Julius Topacio.