DGPI leaders ready to face new challenges

SANDEJAS

LAST JAN. 10, we attended the oath-taking of the new officers of the Directors Guild of the Philippines Inc. (DGPI) at the Central Digital Lab in Makati.

Elected president was Mike Sandejas, who said, “The current thrust should be to strengthen the guild’s membership. The board hopes to create more programs to meet the needs and expectations of its members.”

Emmanuel Borlaza admires Sandejas’ commitment. The 76-year-old veteran advises, “If the group has limited budget, that isn’t a hindrance—it’s a challenge! Be patient.”

Sari Dalena suggests, “We can introduce big changes, like standardization. There are unwritten and unspoken rules about the working conditions, the length of hours, contracts, and rates of directors and actors—we need to identify them. Let’s push the government to support us!”

Current DGPI chair Paolo Villaluna proposes, “We have to establish protocols on when to react as a group.”

Recently, DGPI, which has more than 70 active members, released a statement condemning the disqualification of “Honor Thy Father” at the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival.

DGPI’s other new officers include Louie Ignacio (vice president), Ellen Ramos (secretary), Roni Bertubin (treasurer) and Richard Somes (membership chair).