CEBU CITY — The Department of Agrarian Reform Region 7 (DAR 7) has officially opened the online voting for the poster competition of the 2026 PelikulAgraryo Film Festival. Under the localized theme "Paghabi," the event aims to weave the true-life experiences, struggles, and triumphs of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries into a wider public narrative.
Amplifying Agrarian Reform Stories
Seven unique film posters are now competing for the top spot, each representing powerful stories from various educational institutions across Central Visayas. The public is highly encouraged to support their favorite entries, helping to amplify the voices of local farmers and their communities through cinematic storytelling.
This initiative serves as a vital platform to celebrate the resilience of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs). By translating lived realities into visual and cinematic art, the festival bridges the gap between agricultural struggles and urban audiences. This fosters a deeper understanding of land reform in the region.
Voting Mechanics and Deadlines
The voting period runs until Thursday, October 22, 2026, at exactly 5:00 PM. Participants can cast their votes by reacting to their favorite film posters on social media. Every reaction—whether Like, Love, Haha, Wow, Sad, or Angry—earns one point for the corresponding film entry.
Sharing is also a crucial part of the campaign. Every ten shares of a specific film poster will earn an additional one point. This system encourages participants to actively circulate these narratives, ensuring that the compelling stories of agrarian reform beneficiaries reach a much broader online audience.
Organizers urge supporters to engage consistently before the deadline to maximize their chosen film's chances. The online campaign is designed to be highly accessible, allowing anyone with a social media account to participate and directly influence the outcome of this meaningful cultural event.
The Seven Competing Films
Seven compelling films from various higher education institutions are vying for recognition in this year's festival. Holy Name University presents "Kabilin" (Heirloom), while Cebu Normal University - Main Campus has three entries: "Pinugas nga Paglaum" (Sown Hope), "Kabilin" (Legacy), and "Layang Lahi" (A Lineage Unbound).
Cebu Normal University - Balamban Campus contributes "Paglampos" (To overcome, or Triumph), and Bohol Island State University - Bilar Campus offers "Pilapil" (Earthen Ridge). Finally, Cebu Technological University - Main Campus completes the lineup with "Dibuho" (Drawing). These films explore diverse aspects of agrarian life.
Each academic institution poured significant creative effort into their respective posters, capturing the essence of their film's narrative. The posters serve as visual teasers that encapsulate the themes of heritage, hope, triumph, and the enduring connection of farmers to their land.
Balancing Public Support and Judges' Scores
The final results of the poster competition will be determined through a fair and balanced system. Fifty percent of the total score will come from the online voting points accumulated through reactions and shares, directly reflecting public engagement and community support.
The remaining fifty percent will be based on the evaluation of an official panel of judges. This dual approach ensures that while the public's voice is heard, the artistic merit and thematic relevance of the posters are also thoroughly assessed by industry experts and cultural advocates.
Supporters are encouraged to follow the official Facebook page of DAR 7 Central Visayas for the latest updates and announcements. The culmination of this visual competition will highlight the power of film to weave lives, land, and stories together into a lasting cultural legacy.
