DARAGA: At least 200 youth from this town learned the ropes of scriptwriting, directing, acting, cinematography, and photojournalism from industry experts in a five-day cultural media heritage workshop sponsored by the local government unit (LGU).
The training which ended Monday trained the youth via multiple platforms.
It was part of the month-long celebration of the Cagsawa Festival.
Suzette Doctolero, head writer and senior consultant of broadcast giant GMA, trained the participants on the basics of scriptwriting on the first day.
Doctolero stressed the importance of writing scripts for films and TV infused with cultural relevance, as “this is the only way to teach the youth about their roots,” given their changing media habits and preferences.
“Eto ‘yung kauna-unahang LGU na nakita ko na mayroong concern at pagmamahal sa culture and arts, so ang ganda ng ginagawa ng LGU dito na ginagamit nila ang culture at ang arts para mapayabong ang kabataan at maging aware sa mga roots nila (This is the first LGU
that that has concern and love for culture and the arts, so what the LGU is doing here is good. They are using culture and the arts to empower the youth and make them aware of their roots),” she said.
Film director and multi-awarded cinematographer Rain Yamson II, who handled the workshops on cinematography and directing, expressed hope that he was able to inspire more filmmakers.
“I want to hear more stories from this region because I believe there are far more beautiful stories here that can be told,” he said.
Junjun Quintana led the acting workshop while Bicolano and Philippine Daily Inquirer lensman Niño Jesus Orbeta discussed the basics of photojournalism.
For Bicol University student Jaymee Divina, the cultural media heritage workshop provided an avenue for creative people like her to showcase their skills and passion.
In an interview on Monday, Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo stressed the importance of capacitating the youth in culture and the arts to boost their confidence, enhance their creative expr
ession, and develop their love and pride for their cultural heritage.
“We need to prioritize our youth because they have great potential to drive social change. Through activities such as this, we hope to encourage them to take an active part in promoting their cultural heritage by using various media platforms,” Baldo said in the vernacular.
Source: Philippines News Agency