Migs plays angel to showbiz folk

MANILA, Philippines - He’s a big fan of showbiz. But that doesn’t mean Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migs” Zubiri just contents himself watching TV shows and films or keeping an update on showbiz buzz during his downtime. He, too, ponders on what help he could offer to people working behind the cameras.

It was in 2007 when the senator learned about the sad plight of movie workers through direk Joel Lamangan, president of Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Pelikulang Pilipino (NMPP), whom he closely worked with for a TV ad campaign. 

Their work is seasonal. Thus, Sen. Migs has come to realize how tough it is to be in a no-movies-no-work situation of movie workers — from directors to stuntmen.

“So we devised a scheme that would benefit their families like giving education to their children, housing programs, and training to enhance their skills,” Sen. Migs says.

His initial project of granting scholarships to deserving children of NMPP members has become so successful, Sen. Migs has started the ball rolling on his next move: Permanent shelters to select movie workers. A P2-M budget has been released for the housing project.

“The timing is perfect because many of our members had lost their homes to (Typhoon) Ondoy at si Senator Zubiri ay nandiyan muli upang makatulong na makapagbigay ng magandang pamumuhay,” direk Joel offers.

NMPP will create a committee that will determine who will be fitting beneficiaries of the project. Those selected by the committee can avail of the housing plan in Bulacan, Camarin and an area near SM Fairview set aside by the National Housing Authority.

“The fund will pay for the equity kasi medyo malaki between P6,000 and P7,000 ’yung initial (payment),” Sen. Migs reveals. “Pag-ibig membership is free for them, too. They will just pay for the monthly amortization.”

But the thought of alleviating their lives never ends there. Training programs are also in the drawing board. By next year, the senator with direk Joel hopes to start free training for NMPP members “to enhance their skills and learn the modern techniques in filmmaking.” A special program for stuntmen will also be offered.

“I would like to help every industry. We have the youth sector, environment sectors, teachers and OFWs. This time it is for the movie industry,” he affirms.

Does watching local shows give him ideas on what to contribute for the industry?

“It is more on interaction with actors and directors. Of course, every time you watch a show you see all the beauty — the set, the lightings, the story — but it’s not all glitter and gold. Workers behind the camera face lots of problems and we really try to support them through the implementation of various programs,” he answers. “I really hope and pray that we can give lasting relief to these people.”