Written by: Jennylou Tayco
Last August 18, ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) and Eugenio M. Lopez Jr. Center for Media Arts Senior High School (ELJCMASHS) partnered to build up the grade 12 students’ skills in storytelling for documentaries. In preparation for the upcoming DokEU Film Festival, the students were taught about the Foundation’s core advocacies to give more depth to the stories that they will produce.
Throughout the forum, AFI showcased its advocacy for children’s rights and development (Bantay Bata 163), education (Programa Genio), sustainable livelihood (GaLing Pamayanan), disaster management (Sagip Kapamilya), and environmental protection (Bantay Kalikasan). These advocacies will guide Grade 12 students of ELJCMASHS in producing documentaries, helping them practice responsible storytelling and use creativity to inspire positive change.
“The DepEd core values reflect the same advocacies that AFI upholds, and through this shared commitment, we believe we can build a better country. This partnership means a lot to us, as we are doing this for the students, the youth, and the nation’s future,” said Romelita C. Tumaneng, Principal of ELJCMASHS
Experts in the fields of directing and storytelling graced the forum. Ramona Diaz, director of highly acclaimed documentaries “And So It Begins” and “Motherland” shared her insights and experiences in documentary filmmaking. She emphasized the importance of making an authentic connection with the audience. Robert Labayen, ABS-CBN executive and notable songwriter of “Star ng Pasko” and ABS-CBN’s famed station IDs, highlighted the importance of soulful writing in storytelling. The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) also joined the forum and will hold future workshops to strengthen the students’ narrative writing skills.
“For us, documentary-making is not only for ‘art’s sake’ but also a means of reaching those directly affected by the issues we present. We want our documentary not only to provide information but also to educate and influence the audience so they, too, can become aware and informed,” said Alvineesha A. Gangoso, Student of ELJCMASHS
“I hope that our documentary will create an impact and be the voice for those who need to be heard, because stories are connected, and through them, people may see reflections of their own lives, so I only wish that it can bring meaningful change to society,” said Faith Avila, Student of ELJCMASHS
Following the forum, the Grade 12 students will begin creating documentaries that tell real stories from their communities and advocacies. With the guidance of their mentors and the firm foundation of ELJCMASHS in storytelling, they aim to produce meaningful films that can stand alongside entries in national festivals such as DocuBata 2025.