In her opening remarks, Sen. Pia Cayetano, stressed “There were many nice stories, it was hard to choose. Through these films, we want to share the different glimpses of the lives of women. RH has become a very sensitive issue these days subjected to debates. I am hoping that through these films, makikita nating lahat that these are realities that many women face.”

“We are actively looking for partners such as NGOs and groups who would like to contribute in any way in our advocacy for Maternal and Child Health. Itaguyod natin ang kapakanan ng Ina at ng Anak,” said Most Exalted Brother Danilo Alpapara, Jr. in his introduction for Quisumbing Escandor Film Festival for Health.

Sen. Teofisto Guingona, and some 150 delegates from the different universities, staff of the various Senate committees, NGO’s, and health advocates attended the film showing which showcased the following films:

“Sa Direksyon ni Makoy: Da Final Cut” (QEFF Jury’s Pick for Best Short Film) by Genevieve Caberte tells the story of the 6 final days of Makoy, a recently orphaned child suffering from congenital HIV.

“Ang Ina” (QEFF Jury’s Pick for Best Documentary) by Donnie Sacueza is a powerful piece that relates the two facets of maternal health: child health and single motherhood.

“Tinalikdan” by Edgar Baltazar is a short film that follows the story of two women as their stories intertwine in a compelling drama of life, morality, and the search for a better tomorrow.

 “Limang Libo” (QEFF Grand Prize Winner) by Aiza Jane Idanan is a short film that focuses on the plight of a midwife due to poverty and a dump site scavenger with a pregnant wife whose paths cross forcing them to act against their instincts that may eventually lead to saving or taking a life.

“Local Government Units should prioritize women’s need for information on maternal and child health and provide access to services for the pregnant,” said one B.S. Political Science student during the Interactive Open Forum on Maternal and Child Health facilitated by Dr. Anthony H. Cordero, Director of the Center for Gender and Women Studies – UP Manila.

QUISUMBING ESCANDOR FILM FEST SITUATIONER SHOWN DURING THE SENATE PLENARY

Perhaps believing that film and action are more powerful than mere words, Senator Pia Cayetano stated during the Senate Plenary Session, “I can cite many more figures, I can read my 10-page speech but in this case, I believe less words will make a bigger impact.”

The QEFF Situationer was then shown preceded by the introduction of the filmmakers and Brods of the Mu Sigma Phi represented by Most Exalted Brother Danilo Alpapara, Jr. ΜΣΦ 2011, Dr. Anthony Cordero ΜΣΦ 1992, QEFF co-founder Mark Anthony Gomez ΜΣΦ 2011 and QEFF Publicity Head Ulysses King Gopez ΜΣΦ 2013.

CALL FOR SUPPORT

The Mu Sigma Phi, through the Quisumbing Escandor Film Festival continues its advocacy for Maternal and Child Health. We are open to link-up with partners in film showing, donors, and contributors who are willing to support the project.

Know how you can help. For more information, please visit: www.qe-filmfestival.com, call us: (632) 861 4727, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , find us on Facebook: Quisumbing Escandor Film Festival for Health.

Photo credits: Miguel Berba, Office of Senator Pia Cayetano

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