NABUNTURAN, Davao de Oro — The Department of Trade and Industry has turned over a Shared Service Facility worth ₱1.2 million to support filmmakers and audiovisual creatives in Davao de Oro. The initiative aims to transform local talent into a thriving creative enterprise.
A Boost for Creative MSMEs
The SSF is a nationwide DTI initiative providing micro, small, and medium enterprises with shared access to modern machinery, equipment, and training. In Davao de Oro, the facility was awarded to NABIFILMEX, the local government's flagship film festival organizer.
The project is titled "From Script to Screen: Creatives, Media and Film Production." DTI Davao de Oro OIC Provincial Director Art Hermoso said the facility includes high-end cameras, lenses, editing computers, drones, and other production accessories.
Hermoso emphasized that the project goes beyond filmmaking, serving as an income-generating creative enterprise for the municipality. The investment aims to support local artists while driving economic activity in Nabunturan and the wider Davao Region.
NABIFILMEX 13th Season Kicks Off
The equipment turnover was held on September 16 during the opening of the 13th NABIFILMEX at the Tipok Tipok Exhibit. The festival ran from September 16 to 18 across multiple screening venues, including the famed open-air cinema at the Municipal Plaza.
Cinema workshops and talks were conducted in partnership with the Film Academy of the Philippines. Filmmaker and FAP Director General Paolo Villaluna and cinematographer Mackie Galvez led the hands-on workshops for aspiring filmmakers.
Acclaimed filmmaker Sherad Anthony Sanchez and film educator Edward Cabagnot held film-related talks. Lawyer Andi Banadero discussed the Eddie Garcia Law for film workers and offered free legal consultations.
Nabunturan Mayor Myrocel Balili said the project is timely, as the town is home to many creative people. She affirmed the local government's full support for creatives through various programs, including the DTI partnership for the SSF.
Celebrating Excellence in Film
The short film "Reset," directed by Evzen Freders Conejero, won the Gimadyawan Award for Best Film. The story follows a struggling virtual assistant who becomes the subject of a mockumentary.
"Silong sa mga panit sa adlaw" by Jessa Mae Madarang took Best Davao de Oro Film. Other winners included "Bangungot" for Jury Prize, Ian Alfaras for Best Director and Best Editing, and Wence Trajano for Best Cinematography.
Neo Bryce won Best Actor, while Shandy Fuentes took Best Actress. Angela Justine Dela Cruz won Best Music and Best Sound Design for "Bangungot." The awards recognized excellence across multiple film disciplines.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Hermoso noted that filmmaking is an investment in tourism promotion. Through films, the beauty of Nabunturan and Davao de Oro reaches wider audiences on various media platforms. This exposure can attract visitors and investors.
He added that if the province is promoted as a tourism destination, it will trickle down to product development for MSMEs. The SSF creates a ripple effect, supporting local businesses while nurturing creative talent.
The facility positions Nabunturan as a rising hub for film and digital content creation in Mindanao. With DTI's support and the local government's commitment, the creative industry is poised for sustained growth.
