The Quisumbing-Escandor Film Festival for Health (QEFF) is a nationwide film-making competition that combines the visual power of cinema with the passions of health advocacy. As a provocative advocacy tool, film is the new face of social awareness and public education. In 2008, QEFF 1 carried the theme "Malayo sa bituka" and brought attention to Filipino notions, behavior and practices regarding health. The response of various sectors to the film fest was overwhelming and sparked awareness and proactive health reform among the local government units.

"Let us further empower millions of Filipinos. Let us set in motion existing alliances. Let us respond to the health challenges faced by our people."

These words from University of the Philippines president-elect Alfredo Pascual about the Festival capture indeed the spirit of QEFF. This 2011, QEFF returns to shine the spotlight on maternal and child health with its theme "Sa ngalan ng ama, ng anak, at ng ina." QEFF 2 recently concluded with an awards night last February 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Sa Direksyon ni Makoy by Genevieve Caberte and John Macahilas grabbed the Jury Award for short film, and Ang Ina by Donnie Sacueza earned the Jury Award for documentary. Both garnered Php50,000.

Mike Sandejas, Socorro Fernandez, Rica Arevalo, Hugo Yonzon, Dennis Marasigan and Elvin Valerio comprise the festival's esteemed board of judges. A panel discussion preceded the awarding ceremonies. Panelists include former Secretary of Health Alberto Romualdez MΣΦ ‘65 Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto, and UNAIDS social mobilization adviser Merceditas Apilado,

The discussion was facilitated by Prof. Chichi Robles of the Philippine Association of Communication Educators.

Guests of honor include Rep. Gina de Venecia, DSWD undersecretary Cecilia Yangco and high-profile obstetrician-gynecologist Gregorio Pastorfide MΣΦ 1967.

"Destiny brings us here," stresses Dr. Pastorfide in his speech.  "Providence has it that the House of Representatives approved last January 31 a consolidated version of the RH Bill, but it is surprising that it no longer numbers among the administration's priority bills. It is thus fortunate that QEFF 2 takes place at this most opportune time."

Students and faculty from various schools which participated in the QEFF nationwide screening last February 14-16 came. Among them are representatives from UP Visayas, UP Mindanao, the Ateneo, DLSU and Silliman.

The Quisumbing-Escandor Film Festival is organized by the Mu Sigma Phi fraternity of the UP College of Medicine, with the Jose Rizal Memorial Foundation, Eye Republic, and the Mu Sigma Phi Foundation as major partners.

Mu Sigma Phi Most Exalted Brother (president) Danilo Alpapara Jr. emphasized that the recurring themes of the films portray the ills of the nation's health system, society and government: "The apparent need for action persists across the entire archipelago."

Film festival chair and Mu Sigma Phi's service committee chair Daniel Dellosa was replete with gratitude and humility: "People have always been awed by this undertaking of study-worn medical students. Make no mistake - it is our distinct privilege . . . The privilege is ours to work for our Filipino who deserves nothing less than the highest attainable level of health and well-being."

Other partners include the University Physicians Medical Center, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Exempli Gratia, Ling Nam, Muntinlupa City Medical Society, the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations, the Center for Gender and Women's Studies, the Philippine Association of Communication Educators, Mc Maru, and the Philippine Commission on Women.

Participating NGOs include Bantay Bata, Gabriela, Gawad Kalinga, Safe Kids Philippines, Child Hope Asia, AIDS Society of the Philippines, Likhaan Center for Women's Health, Tri Dev, the Association of the Rights of Children in Southeast Asia, and the Nurturers of the Earth.

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