A young parking attendant navigating the streets of a bustling city, “Paul” confronts various obstacles and societal pressures, but despite all of it, his determination and unyielding resolve emerge.
Exploring themes of poverty, aspirations, and the pursuit of a brighter future, the one-minute film “Barya” captures the story of a genuine and unfiltered depiction of urban hardships.
The heartwarming and thought-provoking film “Barya” from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10 Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (PFO) has clinched the Northern Mindanao (NorthMin) DOLEkula Film Festival: Mga Kwento ng Batang Malaya during the fourth season awarding ceremony at SM CDO Downtown, Cagayan de Oro City.
Produced by Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) focal person Jesuriz Mabaso, community facilitator Clebel Guinayon, and Provincial Field Office Chief Raul Valmores, “Barya” (coin) captivated audiences and judges alike with its poignant storytelling and stellar performance.
“Barya” bested five others in a competitive selection of anti-child labor films, winning praise for its compelling narrative that earned two minor awards, namely best production design and best musical score.
Valmores conveyed appreciation to the festival organizers and underscored the significance of “Barya” in illuminating the experiences of marginalized individuals. “The film aims to bring attention to the pressing issue of child labor, serving as a poignant reminder for us to heed the voices of our children,” he said.
In second place is “Bungantulog” (daydream) of DOLE-10 Cagayan de Oro City Field Office got the social media audience choice, best performer in a lead role, best one-minute film, and DOLE Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) jury prize. Meanwhile, “Pantawid” (crossing) of Misamis Oriental PFO ranked third and received the best cinematography.
Consolation prizes were given to “Kariton” (push cart) of Misamis Occidental PFO, also awarded best story; “Lawod” (laot) of Camiguin PFO, also garnered best editing; and “Lubos na Pinagpala” (unearthed blessings) of Lanao del Norte PFO, which received best direction.
The non-competing entry “Bahay Aliwan” of the regional office received a special participation award for showcasing an impactful story about the plight of a minor child working in a nightclub.
BWSC Director Ahmma Charisma Satumba commended DOLE NorthMin Regional Director Erwin Aquino for initiating the film festival, as it has already started capacitating regional offices for the nationwide roll-out of DOLEkula.
“At ‘yun (DOLEkula) po ay nagsimula sa inyong rehiyon, kaya maraming salamat po sa ganitong pag-uumpisa ng napakaganda at napaka innovative na advocacy program para sa ating mga anti-child labor efforts (DOLEkula started in your region, thank you for starting this wonderful and innovative advocacy program for our anti-child labor efforts),” said Satumba in a recorded message during the opening ceremony.
“This is a testament that the innovations of DOLE-10 have inspired the BWSC and other regional offices to intensify the initiatives to address child labor,” Satumba said. (DOLE-10/PIA-10)
