Cordillera student filmmakers spotlight farmers' struggles in DAR film festival

BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the Cordillera Administrative Region has recognized student filmmakers for producing short films highlighting the struggles, achievements and aspirations of agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Now in its second year, DAR's PelikulAgraryo film festival features 13 student-produced films from universities across the region's six provinces.

DAR Cordillera Regional Director Sheila Enciso said this year's theme, "Tinig ng Lupang Malaya: Kwento at Aral-Agraryo, Butil na Pamana sa Kabataan," aims to amplify farmers' voices and promote awareness of agrarian reform among young Filipinos.

Nine films focus on agrarian reform beneficiaries and their struggles to secure land ownership, protect their livelihoods and provide better opportunities for their families.

The remaining four feature agrarian reform beneficiary organizations, highlighting cooperation, community enterprises and collective efforts to improve agricultural livelihoods.

Through interviews and storytelling, the student filmmakers documented the experiences of farmers and translated their stories into short films for wider audiences.

The event also included the distribution of 85 Certificates of Land Ownership Award and electronic titles to beneficiaries in Benguet, Kalinga and Mountain Province.

DAR said the distribution contributed to a cumulative total of 7,315 titles issued across Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province.