CCCom, Archdiocese present Peñafrancia film fest entries

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay NAGA CITY --- Thought-provoking teasers coming from nine contending high schools In the Bicol Region were viewed during the presentation of entries for the 4th Peñafrancia Film Festival (PSFF) and launching of Inang Peñafrancia mobile app last Monday, Aug. 21, at the SM Activity Center, here. No less than the Archbishop of Caceres, Most Rev. Rolando Octavus J. Tria Tirona OCD, D.D. graced the event with the event’s most supportive partner through the years, the city government of Naga through Mayor John G. Bongat. Archbishop Tirona lauded the initiative as a way to counteract the proliferation of fake news that continues to stain the moral fibers of legitimate information. “We are here to inform and counteract fake news. It’s a call for discernment because correct information plays a significant role in our formation, and every formation should inspire us to grow. This also pushes us to get involve because all of us must be stakeholders.” Unlike the past PSFF’s events where professional filmmakers were enjoined, this year’s contenders are high school students coming from various public and private secondary schools in the region. This is also the first time that the Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom) partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to further boost the information drive to propagate the youth’s devotion to Inang Peñafrancia. Presented entries include “Ang Ningning ni Tala” from the Philippine Science High School- Bicol Region Campus, “Banaag” from Baao National High Shool, “Hilo” from Ateneo De Naga University, “Omelet” from Ligao National High School, “Pasalubong” from Unibersidad de Sta. Isabel, “Torik” from Camarines Sur National HS, “Paninimbagan” from Naga Parochial School, “ Kung Sakaling Di Mabatid” from Naga City Science High School and “Pananalig” from Vinzons National HS. After the teasers were presented, Fr. Marlon Tebelin introduced the Ina Nin Penafrancia mobile application to make the Peñafrancia- related events more accessible to both android and IOS users. The app includes rosary, novena and other prayers, both in Bicol and English. The order of the mass as well as the schedule of masses and confessions for the entire duration of the festivity is also included in the downloadable app to encourage parishioners and devotees to participate in the liturgical activities. The app also contains the devotions’ history, personal testimonies of devotees and a guide for pilgrims. Fr. Louie Occiano, CCCom Chairperson believes that the app is an effective tool to reach out to various communities, particularly to the millennials who are very active in the social media.