• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod is requesting Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to convene the Bacolod Film Festival Council under City Ordinance No. 1061, or The Bacolod Film Festival Ordinance.
The resolution authored by Councilor Em Ang and co-authored by Councilor Cindy Rojas said City Ordinance No. 1061 was passed last February 14 with the aim to promote the development of the local film industry, provide a venue for showcasing artistic talents, and enhance cultural appreciation.
Section 4 of the aforesaid Ordinance mandates the creation of a council that will organize and oversee the Bacolod Film Festival and ensure the smooth implementation of the ordinance, it said.
Part of the functions and responsibilities of the council are: to formulate policies and guidelines for the selection and screening of films to be featured in the festival; appoint the festival director who will manage the operations of the festival; set the theme for the film festival for each year; and allocate and manage funds appropriated for the Bacolod Film Festival, the resolution said.
Given the above-mentioned functions and responsibilities of the council, it is essential for the commencement of the operations of the film festival and also in the daily monitoring and supervision of the same, it said.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod humbly requests the convening of the Bacolod Film Festival Council so that the city will have its first-ever film festival happening this year, not only helping the filmmakers and their crew, but also boosting the local economy and local tourism as it will drive residents from nearby towns and cities to come to Bacolod City and watch the selected films of the festival and also to the awards night, the resolution added.*
