Posted on by Raf Sofia Centeno

TALISAY, BATANGAS–The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MIMAROPA takes a proactive stance in advocating for the passage of the Community-Driven Development (CDD) Bill by spearheading a 5-day Leadership and Advocacy Training for the regional and field staff from December 4 to 8, 2023 in Leonida’s Resort, Batangas.

Initiated by the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Capacity Building Unit in partnership with the Social Marketing Unit, they recognized the critical role of advocacy materials in influencing public opinion and policy decisions.

The training program aimed to empower regional and field staff in creating impactful advocacy videos, as well as technical and creative articles that effectively convey the importance of the KALAHI-CIDSS Community-Driven Development (CDD).

The initial phase of the training involved a Basic Social Etiquette simulation workshop, emphasizing the physical representation of participants in interactions with diverse stakeholders.

This covered aspects such as dressing appropriately, and understanding body language. Following this, an exploration of the filmmaking process unfolded, encompassing the pre-production, production, and post-production stages. 

Photo on left: Pia Centeno, Social Marketing Unit Head, gave tips on basic social etiquette. | Photo on right: The Production Team behind the Best Film titled “Kandila”.

The training also incorporated a thorough review of the DSWD Handbook of Style for Writing. Workshops and discussions were conducted to delve into the nuances of technical writing and feature writing. 

Photo on left: Vaugh “Koko” Gessuepe Alviar, a contributor to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, listened to the insights of Christine Joy Arbes, participant, during the Technical and Creative Writing workshop. | Photo on right: Michael Ace Dimapilis, Monitoring & Evaluation Unit Head, reviewed the DSWD Handbook of Style and conducted a basic grammar session.

Advocacy materials are indispensable in the lobbying efforts for a law to pass as they serve as powerful communication tools. These materials distill complex information about the proposed legislation into accessible formats, presenting key data, case studies, and testimonials to various stakeholders.

On the culmination night, participants showcased the fruits of their training efforts through a film showing, presenting the advocacy short films they produced. Below is the list of winners for the “Taking the Lead: Advocacy Film Making Contest 2023”:

  • Best Actor: Renato Mandrique Jr of Ngiti ng Nakaraan
  • Best Support Actor: Melbert Pabero of Sandwich
  • Best Actress: Marife Enciso of Sandwich
  • Best Supporting Actress: Shaida Tumandao of Siblings
  • Best Editing: Ngiti ng Nakaraan (John Bryan Gallano)
  • Best Sound Design: Kandila (Jerald Obando)
  • Best Production Design: Sandwich (Betsie Macatubal & team)
  • Best Cinematography: Kandila (Dean Gueco & Gerrelane Bating)
  • Best Screenplay: Kandila (Christine Arbes)
  • Best Director: Marco Nicerio of Kandila
  • Best Film | Ensemble: Sandwich
  • Best Film | Advocacy: Ngiti ng Nakaraan
  • Best Fim: Kandila
  • Audience Choice Award: Sandwich

Investing in creating advocacy campaigns holds immense importance as knowledge products. Advocacy materials such as infographics, photographs, videos, and success story articles empower advocates to mobilize grassroots support.

It engages community members and other stakeholders in the legislative process and ensures a comprehensive and informed approach to advocating for the successful passage of a law.

Watch all advocacy film entries here: https://web.facebook.com/dswdfomimaropa/videos/206032339230234/

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