NEWSFLASH

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ERAP WANTS WORLD-CLASS PINOY FILMS

Manila, Aug. 4, 1998 - President Joseph Estrada has exhorted movie producers to produce good quality films that will show the world Filipino artistic ability and creativity.

The President issued the call during the launching of the 1998 Metro Manila Film Festival held at the Club Filipino.

"Sa mga producers, ipina-aabot ko ang aking hiling na gumawa ng mga nababagong pelikula na itatampok ang kahusayan ng ating sining hindi lamang sa kapwa Pilipino kundi ang kalidad na maipagmamalaki natin sa ibang bansa," the President said.

Mr. Estrada, a multi-awarded movie star-turned-politician, pointed out that Philippine-made movies should be now be at par with foreign films at least in content if they cannot match the modern technologies of Hollywood movies.

"Hinihiling ko rin na isaisip natin ang kapakanan ng milyun-milyong manonood na Pilipino na sa ngayon ay naghihirap at hindi makapasok sa sinehan dahil sa taas ng presyo ng tiket," the President told his colleagues in the industry.

He expressed hope that movie producers could start making quality movies that promote home-grown values and positive traits in time for Christmas.

"Sa Paskong darating, sana ay may bagong iaalay tayo sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng mga pelikulang pampamilya at magbibigay ng panibagong pag-asa para sa ikauunlad ng bayan," the President said.

Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (MOWELFUND) Executive Director Rodolfo Velasco said the proceeds of this year's MMFF will go mostly to the MOWELFUND, a foundation established in 1975 by then San Juan Mayor Joseph Estrada mainly for bit actors and other small workers in show business.

The Foundation provides assistance to these small movie workers such as annual medical examinations, hospitalization, burial expenses and other forms of assistance.

"Noong wala pa iyang Foundation, ang nilalapitan lang ng mga small industry workers ay si Erap, Ronnie Poe at si Dolphy. So, the President, who was then the head of Philippine Motion Pictures Producers Association, decided to put up a foundation that will cater to the social needs of these small people," explained MOWELFUND Public Relations Officer Chit Sambile.