Mowelfund chair Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo (second from left) with volunteers at Mowelfund’s 49th anniversary celebration
We would sometimes hear people say, ‘Walang tulong ang gobyerno.’ This is not true. The government extends help through its various agencies that are film-related in their mandate.”
Thus said actress Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, chairperson of the Movie Workers’ Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund). The 49-year-old organization, which provides for the welfare of workers in the film industry, commemorated its founding anniversary with a day-long celebration in March.
“This event is the result of the hard work of Mowelfund’s executive committee and staff members. We’re so happy that, after three years of experiencing pandemic lockdowns, we are back. All of our donors are back, too. They have been very helpful and we are grateful,” Rodrigo told Inquirer Entertainment after taking a break from overseeing the event held at the Don Alejandro Roces Sr. Science-Technology High School in Quezon City.
Thankful
The day-long celebration began with a Mass and the customary greetings from Mowelfund officials. This was followed by reports from the foundation’s directors, namely Rez Cortez (president and CEO), Julius Topacio (vice and COO), Joey Roa (welfare) and Ricky Orellana (film institute).
“There were intermission numbers in between. The last part was the most fun, which was the raffle and gift-giving. Happening throughout the day were the free medical and dental exams for members,” Rodrigo pointed out. The program was cohosted by actress Cai Cortez and broadcaster Butch Francisco.
“I’m thankful that the industry is starting to bounce back, largely through the opening of theaters and through producers getting back to the fold. It’s good that they are getting more encouraged, more courageous to produce new projects, and braver to take risks. As they say, somebody has to start,” Rodrigo added.
“The MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) is also a great factor in getting the industry affected, as well as other film fest groups. It is also through government agencies like the FDCP (Film Development Council of the Philippines) that the industry hopes to pick up and grow stronger,” she declared.
Rodrigo also emphasized that the foundation continued with its outreach programs even during the three years of the pandemic. “We either went to our members’ homes or got them in clusters and organized pocket events where we gave ‘ayuda.’ We even had sessions where we gave out cell phones as part of the foundation’s educational component,” she reported. “We kept going, very quietly. It’s been a continuing thing.”
Mowelfund president and CEO Rez Cortez (left) with actor Julio Diaz
Meanwhile, Topacio declared that Mowelfund is welcoming 600 new members this year, through partnerships with the FDCP and the Metro Manila Development Authority. The foundation has over 4,000 members.
Platinum scheme
He added that Aktor, the actors’ guild headed by Dingdong Dantes, has also asked 150 of its members to join Mowelfund; as well as members of the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. and other guilds under the Film Academy of the Philippines.
“We’re trying to work on their coming in as members under the platinum scheme, which is an enhanced type of membership. The membership fee is slightly higher than the usual P500 but the benefits are bigger and better,” he explained. “Both the mainstream media and vloggers are encouraged to join.”
Rodrigo added: “We’re looking for funding for two volumes of coffee table book, as well as for a mammoth show that we hope to produce for Mowelfund’s 50th anniversary next year. Our goal is to replicate the very first show that launched Mowelfund at the Araneta Coliseum in 1974.”
Topacio likewise reported Mowelfund’s intention to pay tribute to the industry’s “living treasures,” or those who have made a huge contribution to the local entertainment scene through their work. “Right now, we are recording our interviews with them. They will be recognized at that particular event,” he said.
Rodrigo said they also aim to honor former President Joseph Estrada, who is Mowelfund’s founder and chairman emeritus. “We hope he will be in good health by then. He is turning 85 this year,” she said. INQ