WHO CARES FOR THE CAREGIVERS?

WHO CARES FOR THE CAREGIVERS? Let’s talk about heroes. Not the kind who wear capes or swing from buildings, but the ones who wear scrubs and work 12-hour shifts in hospitals that are underfunded, understaffed, and—let’s be blunt—undervalued. We called them frontliners during the pandemic. We applauded them. We gave them hashtags. We even offered them pizza and a few months’ worth of discounts. But three years after the worst of COVID-19, I have one simple question: how are our health workers doing now? Sadly, the answer is: not much better than before. The Applause Has Faded—Now What? Let’s cut through the rhetoric. If we truly believe our doctors, nurses, medical technologists, midwives, ambulance drivers, janitors, and admin staff are heroes, then where are the tangible rewards? What have we really done to make their lives easier? I sent a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asking just that. Here’s what I wanted to know: Where’s the job security? Many government hospital workers are still on contract of service or job order status. They wear the same uniforms, carry the same risks, and do the same tasks as their regular counterparts—but without tenure or benefits. Why the mismatch in pay and roles? Nurses with board licenses are sometimes hired as nursing attendants just to fill vacancies. Is this how we treat professionals who trained for years to save our lives? Where is the protection? During the pandemic, many made do with makeshift face masks. I’m not making that up—some literally used cloths and plastic sheets. Do we expect them to fight future outbreaks with the same lack of basic gear? Do they even get rest? Staff quarters are a luxury in most public hospitals. After grueling shifts, some health workers either nap on benches or commute home half-asleep. Can we not provide them a dignified place to sleep? What about life insurance? If a health worker dies from a hospital-acquired infection, is their family covered? Or do they just get another “hero” certificate? Where’s the gratitude now? Remember when they were given free meals, discounts, and ride shares during the pandemic? Most of those were just marketing gimmicks. Can we institutionalize real, consistent support for our medical workers? A Long List of Questions—Still Waiting for Answers I raised 13 specific points in my letter to the President, ranging from salary issues to free transportation. My logic is simple: If we want to keep our healthcare system afloat, we need to keep our health workers at home. Because right now, they’re leaving. Every day. Nurses, especially, are flying out to the UK, Germany, Australia, and the US. Can we blame them? If you're underpaid, overworked, and treated like you’re replaceable, why would you stay? No Healthcare Without Health Workers It baffles me how we keep talking about Universal Healthcare when the very people who will implement it are treated so poorly. You can pass all the Universal Healthcare Acts you want, but if there’s no nurse to take your blood pressure or doctor to read your chart, what’s the point? Are there laws in place already? Yes. Are they being implemented? Rarely. Is Congress doing something about it? Occasionally—but sporadic hearings and symbolic visits aren’t enough. We need sustained, systemic change. A Call for a National Healthcare Workforce Strategy What we need is a comprehensive national plan to improve the lives of medical workers across all levels. I’m not just talking about high-profile doctors. I’m talking about the entire team—from the ER nurse to the utility worker disinfecting hospital rooms. This plan should include: Regularization of qualified health workers in public hospitals. Salary standardization and proper placement for all. Provision of PPE and training in every facility. Dedicated rest areas and affordable food options. Free or discounted transport. Government-provided life and health insurance. This isn’t just about fairness. It’s about public health survival. The Question Remains President Marcos has said he wants a “fierce” and “intense” government. Well, I ask: Can we be fierce in protecting our health workers? Can we be intense in giving them the respect and compensation they deserve? If we can’t protect those who protect us, what kind of society are we building? It’s time to move beyond applause. Let’s act. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 07-24-2025

TURNING INVASIVE WEEDS INTO GREEN GOLD

TURNING INVASIVE WEEDS INTO GREEN GOLD There’s an old saying that goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” But in this case, it’s more accurate to say that one country’s aquatic menace could become another country’s environmental solution. In Kenya, a young engineering student named Joseph Nguthiru came up with a brilliant idea—one that could potentially clean up both pollution and poverty. Through his company HyaPak Ecotech Limited, he has developed a way to turn water hyacinths into biodegradable plastic. Yes, you read that right—those pesky floating plants clogging waterways can now become eco-friendly seedling bags, wrappers, straws, tumblers, and even party plates. These biodegradable products decompose within 3 to 12 months, leaving zero plastic waste behind. Now, I ask you: Why can’t we do that here in the Philippines? From Problem Plant to Planet Protector Water hyacinths are no strangers to us. We see them blanketing our rivers and lakes, particularly in Laguna de Bay, where they choke marine life, stall boats, and destroy livelihoods—especially for fishermen. Local governments and even well-meaning NGOs have tried to turn this invasive plant into raw material for furniture, bags, and handicrafts. That’s all good. But let’s be honest: the supply always outpaces the demand. The hyacinths grow faster than we can turn them into anything useful. That’s why this Kenyan innovation caught my attention. It doesn’t just “use” water hyacinths—it turns them into biodegradable plastic, a material we can use daily and repeatedly. And better yet, it replaces petroleum-based plastic, which is one of the biggest polluters in the world. If Kenya can do it, why can’t we? We already have the raw materials floating around by the ton—literally clogging our lakes and rivers. What we need is the political will to explore, adopt, and adapt this technology. A Few Simple Steps Could Spark Big Change I respectfully propose a few simple actions that can get this ball rolling: 1. Talk to the Innovator. Let’s have the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya contact Mr. Nguthiru. A simple conversation could lead to a collaboration. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we just need to bring it here. 2. Get the DENR on Board. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) should craft a roadmap to integrate this technology into our environmental programs—especially for waterway rehabilitation and solid waste management. 3. Public-Private Partnerships. Let’s encourage collaboration with startups and social enterprises who are ready to take this on. Think of the jobs this could create in local communities—collecting, processing, producing. Circular economy in action. 4. Back it Up with Science. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) can lead the research to fine-tune the process for local conditions. Our climate, our water hyacinths, our market—all of these can help shape a uniquely Filipino version of HyaPak. 5. Enable It Through Policy. Perhaps the LLDA (Laguna Lake Development Authority) and relevant local government units can craft ordinances that facilitate the collection and transport of water hyacinths, rather than treating them as waste. From Weed to Wealth, from Waste to Wonder To President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this is the kind of innovation your administration should champion. You’ve often spoken about sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive growth. This checks all the boxes. It fights pollution, supports biodiversity, boosts local economies, and aligns perfectly with your goal of creating a “fierce and intense” government that delivers results. As citizens, we often feel helpless when facing environmental degradation. But here is one clear, practical, and achievable solution. Let’s not miss the boat—again. It’s about time we viewed our problems as potential, our weeds as wealth, and our waste as opportunity. In the words of HyaPak's slogan: “Nature to Nature.” The answer to our plastic problem may just be floating in our lakes. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 07-23-2025

LET’S RECYCLE USING REVERSE VENDING MACHINES

LET’S RECYCLE USING REVERSE VENDING MACHINES It’s time we stop treating garbage as garbage—and start seeing it for what it really is: an opportunity. I’m referring to the untapped potential of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), an innovation already proving its worth right here in the Philippines. These machines accept plastic bottles and aluminum cans in exchange for points, discounts, or incentives. Think of it as a recycling ATM—deposit trash, get rewarded. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s already working. One local company, Spurway Enterprises. has already installed RVMs in San Juan City and several other locations nationwide, proving that the concept isn’t just theoretical. It’s real, and it’s successful—not just in collecting recyclables but also in selling them. That’s what a circular economy looks like: turning waste into wealth while cleaning up our communities. Spurway Enterprises is now knocking on the door of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the European Union’s Green Economy Programme in the Philippines (GEPP). The EU has pledged 60 million Euros in green development funding, and the RVM initiative fits perfectly into the program’s goals: promoting sustainability, innovation, and green enterprise development. Now the question is: Will this funding be made available to those already doing the work on the ground? Let’s hope so. Because RVMs could be a cornerstone in solving one of our most stubborn problems: solid waste management. RVMs Aren’t Just Tech—They’re Tools for Empowerment But this isn’t just about machines. It’s about empowering local entrepreneurs. Each RVM can become the centerpiece of an eco-enterprise owned and operated by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—the lifeblood of our economy. The collection and sale of recyclable materials can be run by small traders and junk shop owners, creating jobs at the grassroots level. This is sustainability with a human face: machines backed by community-driven enterprises. Even better, these RVMs can also serve as information hubs. Equipped with video screens, they can display advertisements to generate extra revenue, making them self-sustaining in the long run. They can also be programmed to show public service announcements (PSAs) from local or national government agencies—like the DTI, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, or the Department of the Interior and Local Government. This is how we marry environmental protection with economic empowerment. A Role for CREATE MORE and the SIPP The potential of RVMs extends into the realm of strategic investment. Under the CREATE MORE Act (RA 12066) and its accompanying Strategic Investments Priority Plan (SIPP), projects that promote innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity are eligible for incentives. So here’s the next step: RVMs should be officially recognized under these frameworks. The DTI and the Board of Investments (BOI) should offer guidance to local innovators on how to qualify for these incentives. Let’s not make them jump through hoops. Let’s clear the path. Where Policy Meets Practicality The technology exists. The local proof-of-concept exists. The community business model exists. The government’s green funding exists. Now it’s just a matter of connecting the dots. This is where leadership matters. The National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) should embrace RVMs as a key strategy in local waste management plans. LGUs should integrate these machines into barangay-level solid waste programs. And yes, the Office of the President should take a close look at this, because environmental protection and innovation are national concerns. If we do it right, we’ll not only reduce plastic waste—we’ll create jobs, stimulate entrepreneurship, and redefine recycling in the Philippines. Closing the Loop It’s ironic how we throw things away, thinking they’re worthless. But that “waste” could be a source of income, awareness, and empowerment—if we close the loop. Let’s move past the pilot projects and press releases. Let’s make RVMs a mainstream solution, backed by policy, funding, and local enterprise. If we want to clean up our environment, we can’t rely on slogans. We need systems. RVMs are one such system, already proven and waiting to be scaled. So, here’s my message to policymakers, agencies, and funders: don’t let this opportunity go to waste. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 07-22-2025

LET US AGAIN BECOME A NET EXPORTER OF RICE, AS WE HAVE DONE THAT BEFORE

LET US AGAIN BECOME A NET EXPORTER OF RICE, AS WE HAVE DONE THAT BEFORE We’ve just earned a title no Filipino should be proud of: the world’s top rice importer in 2024. That’s right—despite our rich agricultural heritage, ideal climate, and millions of rice farmers, we’ve overtaken everyone in buying what we used to grow ourselves. If this doesn’t ring alarm bells in the highest halls of power, then we may be deaf to our own national survival. A powerful new report from the Integrated Rural Development Foundation (IRDF), co-authored by respected experts like Dr. Ted Mendoza—whom I know personally and fully vouch for—reveals how we ended up in this crisis. It isn’t just a matter of bad weather or unlucky pests. This is about bad policy and broken systems. We’re Not Just Losing Rice—We’re Losing Land Dr. Mendoza points to a painful truth: over half a million hectares of prime irrigated rice land have been converted into malls, subdivisions, factories, and highways. That’s enough to feed the nation and still export rice—if we had protected it. This is why I strongly believe it’s time for the government to ban the conversion of irrigated land into non-agricultural use. These lands are the heart of our food security. Losing them is like tearing out our own lungs and expecting to breathe. Just as we have protected our forests, marine sanctuaries, and national parks under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), we should pass a similar law—call it the National Irrigated Areas Protection System (NIAPS)—to give legal protection to all irrigated and productive farmland. Better yet, let’s make this part of the long-overdue National Land Use Act. This landmark law has been sleeping in Congress for years, and it's time for the Marcos administration to wake it up. From Rice Sufficiency to Rice Surplus We need to stop thinking of rice imports as “normal” or “necessary.” They are not. They are a symptom of policy failure. What we need instead is a long-term target for rice sufficiency—and beyond that, rice surplus. We should be able to export high-quality, Filipino-grown rice to the world again. And to do that, we must complete the agrarian reform process not just by handing out land, but by making that land productive. Every land reform beneficiary deserves access to irrigation, farm-to-market roads, modern tools, and reliable support services. In places where freshwater is scarce, the government must now invest in desalination technology. This isn’t science fiction—it’s already being done in countries with far fewer water resources than ours. With today’s climate challenges, water security is food security. Let’s Listen to Our Scientists The government must not operate in an echo chamber of bureaucrats. There are experts like Dr. Mendoza who have spent decades studying the science and economics of rice. He, and others like him, should be actively consulted in crafting national strategy. In fact, let’s mobilize all Filipino scientists who can contribute to solving the rice crisis—from soil experts to irrigation engineers, from crop breeders to GIS technologists. Speaking of which, why don’t we already have a national digital map of all irrigated lands? Using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology, we can map, monitor, and protect these vital areas from being lost to speculative real estate. The Real Enemy: Policy Neglect and Cartels The IRDF report is damning! Not only are farmers struggling with pests and floods, but many felt that they were abandoned by the National Food Authority, which reportedly refused to buy their produce as promised. Worse, farmgate prices have plummeted to just P11 to P12 per kilo, while it costs at least P17 to P18 to produce. No wonder farmers are quitting, and the youth want nothing to do with agriculture. Add to that the rice cartels, who hoard, manipulate prices, and entrap farmers in debt. This is not a free market. This is a captured market. And it’s bleeding both producers and consumers dry. The 2019 Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) was supposed to make rice affordable. It did not. It instead devastated local production. It’s time to replace RTL with a new law—the Rice Industry Sustainable Development Act (RISDA)—focused on self-reliance, climate resilience, and equitable market reforms. We also need a legally mandated support price—at least P25 per kilo of palay—so our farmers can survive, invest in their land, and inspire a new generation to plant rice, not abandon it. It’s Not Too Late, But It Soon Will Be Food security is not a matter of policy convenience—it’s a national security issue. If we cannot feed ourselves, we become vulnerable to the whims of foreign suppliers, volatile markets, and geopolitical instability. The Marcos administration must act boldly and swiftly. Declare irrigated rice lands as protected areas. Pass the National Land Use Act. Set a course for rice sufficiency and surplus. Consult scientists. Protect farmers. Break the monopolies. We are not just losing rice—we are losing our sovereignty. But with the right vision and the right policies, we can still reclaim it. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 07-21-2025

FROM COPRA TO VCO: TIME TO RETHINK OUR NATIONAL COCONUT STRATEGY

FROM COPRA TO VCO: TIME TO RETHINK OUR NATIONAL COCONUT STRATEGY The humble coconut—long dubbed the “tree of life”—is still at the center of our national livelihood and economy. Yet despite its rich potential, we continue to make decisions that yield low value, low income, and little long-term vision for our farmers. Case in point: the recent move by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to promote the use of copra meal as animal feed due to the global shortage of soybeans. While this may be a practical short-term solution, it is not a sustainable national strategy. We must ask: are we extracting the highest value from our coconuts, or are we stuck in outdated practices? The Copra Conundrum Let’s face it: making copra from fresh coconuts already causes value loss. When fresh coconut meat is dried into copra, much of the oil’s nutritional and economic value is degraded or wasted. Worse, copra is prone to contamination—from vermin to salmonella—which affects both human and animal health. Its shelf life and hygiene standards are simply not up to par in today's competitive market. While copra meal is sold cheaply as livestock feed, it represents the lowest rung in the value chain. It is a byproduct of a byproduct. Yes, it's better than waste—but we should be aiming higher. Cooking Oil vs. Virgin Coconut Oil On the next rung up is coconut cooking oil—particularly Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized (RBD) oil. It serves as a staple in homes and industries, both locally and abroad. The market is steady, but margins are not exactly eye-popping. It also requires refining infrastructure, and for small farmers and producers, that’s a high barrier to entry. At the top of the value chain sits Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)—a premium product in the global health, food, and cosmetic markets. It requires no heavy refining and retains the coconut’s full natural benefits. It fetches significantly higher prices, especially in export markets. Yet despite its proven profitability, we have not gone all-in on promoting VCO as a national strategy. A Cabinet Cluster for Coconut Value Optimization Instead of relying on fragmented decisions by individual departments, it’s time for a unified strategy. I propose that the President establish a Cabinet Cluster for Coconut Industry Development and Value Optimization. This is more than just a policy group—it would be an empowered executive cluster with cross-sectoral coordination authority, similar to the clusters on food security, climate change, and digital infrastructure. Its core mandates should be: 1. Shifting the National Value Chain Focus Transition from low-value copra production to high-value coconut products like VCO, coco sugar, coconut flour, and functional health products. 2. Strengthening Farmer Participation Equip coconut farmers and cooperatives with training, technology, and access to decentralized VCO production methods. 3. Research and Development Mobilize the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to develop new processing techniques, storage methods, and product diversification models. 4. Market Development and Branding Task the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to position Filipino VCO as a global premium brand, just like Thai rice or Colombian coffee. 5. Food Safety and Standards Through the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensure that coconut products meet export-grade safety and labeling standards. 6. Inclusive Finance and Investment Engage the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to ensure that coconut levy funds are invested in VCO and value-added infrastructure, not in perpetuating the old copra system. 7. Agro-industrial Support Let the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) prioritize VCO production in farm-to-market programs, and make coconut diversification a centerpiece of rural development. This Cabinet Cluster must be chaired by no less than the Executive Secretary or directly by the President himself, to ensure national alignment and rapid implementation. Why It Matters This isn’t just about coconut products—it’s about uplifting millions of coconut farmers who remain among the poorest in the country. It’s about turning agricultural waste into wealth, and building a resilient, climate-smart economy. It’s also about strategic national planning. Why rely on foreign soybean imports when we can feed the world with high-value coconut products? Why settle for bulk exports when we can sell prestige-grade oils? Let’s remember that we are one of the top coconut-producing nations on Earth. That should mean something. But unless we evolve beyond copra and into full-value utilization, we will always be shortchanging ourselves. Final Thoughts Mr. President, instead of choosing between using copra for animal feeds or cooking oil, let’s choose the higher road. Let us invest in the future of coconut—and that future is in Virgin Coconut Oil and other high-value derivatives. Now is the time to convene a Cabinet Cluster dedicated to this purpose. Let us align our science, trade, agriculture, and health policies around a unified coconut strategy. In doing so, we don’t just build a stronger industry—we build a better life for every coconut farmer in the Philippines. The tree of life deserves nothing less. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 09-07-2025

WORMS VS. WASTE: HOW NATURE COULD HELP US BEAT PLASTIC POLLUTION

WORMS VS. WASTE: HOW NATURE COULD HELP US BEAT PLASTIC POLLUTION In the age-old war between humans and the mountains of plastic we’ve created, who would’ve thought that one of our strongest allies might be a humble worm? Yes, you read that right—waxworms, the small, squishy larvae of moths often used as fishing bait, are now at the center of a scientific breakthrough that could radically change how we manage plastic pollution. Two remarkable scientists—Dr. Federica Bertocchini from Spain and Dr. Christophe LeMoine from Canada—have uncovered a natural and sustainable method of breaking down polyethylene, the stubborn plastic found in shopping bags, food packaging, and countless other products that clutter our landfills and waterways. Nature’s Solution in a Worm’s Saliva Dr. Bertocchini, working at the Spanish National Research Council, discovered that two enzymes in waxworm saliva—Demetra and Ceres—can rapidly break down polyethylene. No need for high heat, complex machinery, or industrial pre-treatment. Just a natural compound doing what expensive recycling plants struggle to do. Meanwhile, Dr. LeMoine’s research at Brandon University in Canada revealed that gut bacteria in these worms also play a key role in degrading plastic—a microbial tag team, if you will. It’s a rare moment when science doesn’t invent the wheel but simply uncovers how nature has been spinning it all along. The implications are enormous. These biological processes don’t just break plastics into smaller pieces (as some mechanical processes do); they degrade them into simpler, potentially harmless compounds. This means fewer microplastics floating in our oceans and accumulating in our food chains. So Where Does the Philippines Come In? We are a plastic-dependent nation, and unfortunately, we’re also one of the biggest contributors to marine plastic pollution. Our archipelagic geography, paired with poor waste management infrastructure, makes it hard to avoid the plastic problem—even when we want to. But what if we stopped treating plastic waste as just garbage, and started treating it as feedstock for a natural solution? Here’s how we can act: 1. Start the Dialogue with Scientists The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) can lead the charge by reaching out to Dr. Bertocchini and Dr. LeMoine. Our embassies in Spain and Canada can facilitate collaboration. Let’s learn from the experts who made the discovery and bring that knowledge home. 2. Form a National Task Force This is more than a science project—it’s a potential industry. An interagency task force, led by the DOST and supported by the DENR, DTI, DA, and NEDA, could assess how we can adapt this technology to our waste streams. Think of it as planting seeds for an ecosystem of eco-startups, jobs, and cleaner cities. 3. Collaborate with Japan Japan is already researching waxworms in relation to plastic degradation. Given our strong ties with Japanese institutions, there’s room for technical exchanges, joint research, and pilot projects that can benefit both nations. 4. Localize the Tech With over 35,000 tons of waste generated daily in the Philippines, this enzyme-based solution could become part of an integrated plastic waste management strategy. It’s clean, scalable, and potentially revolutionary. Plus, it could generate green jobs—from worm farming to enzyme extraction and product development. Imagine community-based projects where plastic waste is treated with biodegradable enzymes instead of dumped into rivers or buried in landfills. It’s a future worth working toward. Turning the Tide We often look to high-tech fixes for low-tech problems. But sometimes, the answers are crawling under our noses—literally. Waxworms are not glamorous, but the enzymes in their bodies could give us a powerful, natural tool to reclaim our environment. This is not science fiction. It’s science fact. And with the right vision, leadership, and investment, the Philippines could lead Southeast Asia in enzyme-based plastic degradation technologies. That would be a legacy worth writing into our environmental history. So, let’s turn this story from a scientific curiosity into a national initiative. Let’s put worms to work—not just in compost pits, but on the front lines of environmental innovation. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 07-19-2025

SHOWTIME FOR THE PHILIPPINES: HOW FILIPINO FILMS CAN SHINE GLOBALLY

SHOWTIME FOR THE PHILIPPINES: HOW FILIPINO FILMS CAN SHINE GLOBALLY Something remarkable is happening on our screens. Filipino movies and series are no longer confined to local cinemas or late-night television—they are now showing up on global platforms like Netflix. Over 50 titles and counting. From indie gems to polished productions, the Philippines is quietly but steadily entering the world stage. But here’s the thing: this momentum needs more than applause—it needs a push. The global video streaming market, already worth over half a trillion dollars, is projected to balloon to $2.66 trillion by 2032, according to market forecasts. That's an 18.7% annual growth rate. In simpler terms: we’re in the middle of a gold rush, and we can’t afford to be standing on the sidelines with a camera and no budget. Don’t Just Celebrate—Support Other countries are already sprinting. Governments offer grants, tax breaks, and logistical help to boost their content industries and even attract foreign productions. We must do the same—but better and with Filipino flair. Prominent players like ABS-CBN and GMA Network, along with our many independent filmmakers, deserve more than applause. They need financial support, soft loans, and production-friendly policies that empower them to scale up their output without compromising quality. Let the FDCP and FAP Do More We already have key institutions in place—the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP). But they're running on limited budgets while carrying enormous expectations. Let’s boost their funding so they can extend programs like FLIP (Film Location Incentive Program) and provide meaningful support to filmmakers at all levels. It’s time we stop asking them to do more with less. Exporting More Than Just Beauty Yes, our beaches are stunning. Our rice terraces are postcard perfect. And yes, they make great backdrops. But we’re not just selling scenery—we’re exporting stories, culture, and creativity. Filipino actors, directors, writers, and producers are world-class. If we market them right, the Philippines could become a sought-after destination for international co-productions. Think of it as the soft power equivalent of mangoes and remittances—only this time, it's cultural capital with global reach. Collaborate to Compete The global success of Hollywood, Bollywood, and Hallyu (Korea’s cultural wave) didn’t happen in isolation. They were built through strategic collaborations—co-productions, distribution deals, training exchanges, and joint ventures. Filipino creatives should be equipped and encouraged to pursue similar alliances. Imagine a Filipino Korean sci-fi drama. Or a Filipino American historical thriller. Or even a Southeast Asian horror anthology that goes viral. These aren’t pipe dreams—they’re untapped markets. A Strategy, Not Just Hope If we truly want to go global, we can’t just rely on “viral” hits or wait for another miracle festival win. We need a film export strategy—complete with marketing budgets, international distribution subsidies, and strong participation in global film festivals. We should be planting our flag not only at Cannes, Berlinale, and Venice—but also in newer venues like Busan, Toronto, and even the Oscars. Let the world know that Filipino storytelling travels well. Telling the Filipino Story, Globally We’ve already shown we can produce globally resonant content. Shows like Gameboys, Family of Two, and Outside have found their way into international viewership—because they’re honest, heartfelt, and human. Filipino stories, when told well, cut across borders. Now imagine what more we could achieve if those stories were better funded, better distributed, and better supported by policy. The Next Act: A Task Force for Film Here’s a simple proposal, that we form a presidential task force that brings together the FDCP, FAP, DFA, DTI, DOT, and major industry stakeholders like ABS-CBN and GMA. Let’s sit everyone at the same table and plan a national strategy—not just to promote Filipino films, but to create an ecosystem where world-class productions are the norm, not the exception. Filipino films are more than entertainment—they are ambassadors of our identity, our humor, our pain, our dreams. Let’s give them the stage they deserve. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 07-18-2025