FORMER SPECIAL Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has expressed his support for the Philippine movie industry and encouraged more film festivals to promote quality Filipino films.
At the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) held at Solaire Resort and Casino’s The Theatre in Parañaque City, Go mentioned that holding similar film festivals multiple times a year can encourage movie makers to create more quality films to cater to different audiences.
“Una sa lahat, gusto kong magkaroon ng ganitong mga festival para bigyan pa ng opportunities ‘yung pelikulang Pilipino na bumangon muli. Ang dami ko pong kaibigan na artista at marami silang hinaing po na sana bumalik na (ang sigla) ng industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino,” Go stated to interviewers.
The former SAP and 2019 senatorial candidate mentioned in the past that he wants to craft measures to help ensure the continued viability of the local television and movie industry. Go stated that for decades, the Philippine television and movie industry has been providing not only entertainment to people but also employment and business opportunities to numerous sectors as well.
“Malaking tulong ang industriya hindi lang sa ekonomiya, kundi pati rin sa pagpapasaya ng pamilyang pilipino at pagpromote ng kultura at tamang asal sa kabataan,” he said stressing that movies are also effective ways in promoting the filipino culture and values to the youth.
Currently, Go said that he has been discussing with various luminaries in the industry, some of whom he considers his friends, to share ideas and craft ways to strengthen the industry, which is currently facing stiff competition not only from foreign movies screened locally but also from legal and illegal online streaming platforms. “Kaya naman natin. We can be at par with the foreign films naman po, kung talagang susuportahan ng ating mga producers and, of course, ng mga manunuod po,” Go said.
Go also said in a previous interview that pirates and unscrupulous businesses have preyed on the “fruits of sweat, love, and labor,” of local film industry. He said that if elected: “I will push for strategies to crack down on these illegal businesses and strengthen the campaign against piracy.”
Recalling the heyday of the Philippine cinema that inspired and entertained entire generations of Filipino fans, Go said there is no doubt in the capability of the local film industry to create stories with depth and value and at par with foreign production, given proper support and protection. “We need to amplify the quality of Philippine cinema, especially to our youth. If we are to uniquely identify ourselves as Filipinos, we need more Filipino-made films,” Go said.
Go was in attendance at the 2018 MMFF Gabi ng Parangal as a member juror. Go, along with other members of the MMFF jury, chose which entries would be receiving awards that night.
As a candidate in the 2019 midterm elections, Go’s legislative agenda covers programs for health, agriculture, housing, education, long-term sports development, localized peace talks, fire protection and prevention, creation of a Department of OFWs, barangay welfare, as well as improved benefits for senior citizens.
Go also assured the public that in addressing the needs of various sectors such as the Philippine movie industry as well as other national issues, he can be counted on to serve the people through his experience and dedication in public service. “Of course, ready na po. 20 years na po akong nagtatrabaho, nagseserbisyo sa mga Pilipino. ‘Yun na po ang aking almusal, pananghalian, at hapunan: pagtatrabaho at pagsisilbi sa Pilipino.”
Aside from discussing the Philippine movie industry, Bong Go also reiterated that President Rodrigo Duterte’s health is in good condition. “He is in tip-top condition and I assure you po na kaya niyang tapusin ang kanyang termino sa 2022 and can live beyond,” Go clarified. (Jun Ledesma)
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