Davao de Oro — The Provincial Government of Davao de Oro gathered young filmmakers for a special film viewing of LANTAW: Lens of Peace on September 28, 2026. The event at the Capitol Building's Activity Hall marked a highlight of the province's Peace Month celebration.
A Platform for Youth Voices
Students from Maragusan National High School, Pasian National High School, Davao de Oro State College, Kolehiyo Ng Pantukan, and Monkayo College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology presented their short films. Their works reflected the competition theme, "Sa Probinsyang Malambo-on, Kalinaw Magpadayon," which calls for lasting peace in a prosperous province.
The film viewing formed part of National Peace Consciousness Month, giving young creatives a stage to express their vision of harmony. Each entry explored themes of cultural understanding, solidarity, and hope through the powerful medium of storytelling. The event demonstrated how cinema can spark meaningful conversations among communities.
A Competition Designed for Storytellers
LANTAW: Lens of Peace welcomed aspiring and professional filmmakers from across the province. The competition opened in June 2026 with a call for participants, requiring interested individuals or groups to submit a synopsis by July 17. Organizers reviewed scripts and returned approved versions by July 31, allowing production to proceed.
Entries could be narrative, documentary, or experimental, provided they did not exceed 15 minutes. Films had to be original works that had not won major awards in other festivals. The competition encouraged submissions in Filipino, English, or local dialects, with English subtitles required for clarity. The Top 10 entries were announced on September 11 and posted on Facebook for public screening.
Recognition and Prizes
The Best Film winner receives ₱20,000 and a plaque, while the second and third placers take home ₱15,000 and ₱10,000 respectively. Special awards worth ₱1,000 each will honor Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Production Design, and the People's Choice Award.
The People's Choice winner is determined by the highest number of reactions during the voting period from September 12 to 18. Organizers emphasized that reactions posted before the official voting window would not be counted. Winners will be proclaimed between September 21 and 30, with the exact date to be announced.
Fostering Peace Through Creative Expression
Provincial officials believe the competition nurtures not only artistic talent but also a deeper appreciation for peacebuilding. By inviting young people to share their stories, the initiative empowers them to become advocates of change in their communities. The films serve as mirrors reflecting the aspirations of a province striving for lasting harmony.
The event also underscored the role of local educational institutions in shaping creative talent. Schools and colleges across Davao de Oro participated actively, proving that grassroots storytelling thrives when given proper support. Organizers hope the competition will become an annual tradition that continues to inspire.
