Film industry gets P2 M from Palace

President Arroyo released P2 million yesterday for the movie industry to boost its growth and development as well as support its marginalized workers who are mostly extras, production assistants and technical and utility staff.

Mrs. Arroyo gave the initial P1 million out of the President’s Social Fund Assistance to the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation Inc. (Mowelfund) through its chairman, Espiridion Laxa and executive director Boots Anson-Roa.

Another P1 million was released to the Cinemanila International Film Festival Foundation through its director, Amable "Tikoy" Aguiluz VI.

Presidential Management Staff (PMS) chief Cerge Remonde handed the funds to the two groups.

Mrs. Arroyo’s financial assistance to Mowelfund will be used to finance its social welfare projects and its livelihood, housing and educational programs, which are expected to benefit its 4,400 members who are mostly marginalized workers of the film industry, the PMS said. — Aurea Calica