SSS refunds 2020 loan payments of pension loan borrowers

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The Social Security System (SSS) announces that it started refunding one to two months of loan payments collected from its pension loan borrowers under the Pension Loan Program (PLP) in 2020 effective January 20, 2022.

PLP was launched in September 2018 to help retiree pensioners with their short-term financial needs by offering a loan at a low-interest rate of 10% per annum with a maximum loanable amount of P200,000.00 payable in 6, 12, and 24 months.

The pension loan payment refund is based on Circular No. 2022-002 in compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. Under the said law, banks, quasi-banks, financing companies, lending companies, and other financing institutions, both public and private, were directed to give a 30-day grace period for borrowers’ loan payments without incurring any interest on interest, penalties, fees, and other charges. The provision covered loan payments with dues that fall within September 15 to December 31, 2020.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio said that the pension fund will refund P105 million worth of pension loan payments to 25,231 pension loan borrowers.

“We understand the predicament faced by our PLP borrowers which is why they opted to file their loans to SSS to further finance their medical and immediate financial concerns brought about by the current pandemic,” Ignacio explained.

Ignacio added that PLP offers financial assistance to retiree pensioners for their short-term needs and the refund of their pension loan payments will greatly help them cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible SSS retiree pensioners are those who are currently amortizing as of the implementation date and those who started their monthly amortization in October 2020. They will receive loan payment refunds for their loan payments in October and November 2020.

For pensioners who started their monthly amortization in November 2020, they will get a refund for their loan payments in November and December 2020 while those who only started paying their loan amortizations in December 2020 will only get a one-month refund for December 2020.

“We advise our pensioners that they no longer have to visit SSS to apply for the said refund. Like the refund of the April and May 2020 loan payments last December 9 and 10, 2021 under Bayanihan 1, these pension loan payment refunds will automatically be credited to qualified pensioners through their respective SSS UMID-ATM card or Union Bank QuickCard savings accounts where they already received the proceeds,” Ignacio added. said.

In addition, SSS would also extend the pensioner’s loan payment term by one or two months without any additional interest or penalty. Suppose a pensioner’s loan payment term is until September 2021 and received a two-month refund; their payment terms will be until November 2021 without any interest or penalties.

Likewise, their pension loan will remain insured without any additional premiums until the end of the extended payment term.

Pensioners may also renew their applications after the expiration of their original loan payment term. However, the remaining balance from the pensioners’ previous pension loan will be deducted from their current or new loans.

For example, a pensioner’s original loan term is until September 2021, but the refund extended it until November 2021. The pensioner can already renew his pension loan by October 2021, wherein any outstanding balance from the pensioner’s previous loan will be deducted from his new pension loan.

From January to December 2021, the SSS has released P3.09 billion worth of pension loans to 69,111 pension loan borrowers.

For more information, visit the uSSSap Tayo Portal at https://crms.sss.gov.ph, follow the SSS on Facebook at “Philippine Social Security System - SSS,” Instagram and YouTube at “mysssph,” Twitter at “PHLSSS,” or join its Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”

FDCP to Hold a Night of Celebration for PH Cinema’s Global Wins

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will once again be honoring the stalwarts of Philippine cinema whose performances and cinematic work have brought recognition to our country through their awards and citations from the foremost international film festivals of the world, at the 6th Film Ambassador’s Night on February 27, 2022 at the reopened historical Manila Metropolitan Theater.

Every year, the Film Ambassador’s Night aims to recognize the films and filmmakers that gave pride to the Philippines in the past year— films that competed and screened on the global stage, placing Filipino talent side by side to the finest ones in the world.

For the past five years of this gathering of some of the brightest artists of the Philippine film industry, FDCP has honored a total of 319 Film ambassadors. The list grows even longer with the addition of 77 awardees for this year’s awarding.

“It’s another year's worth of victories with the best of the best Filipino films being recognized around the world, highlighting our cultural heritage in cinema over the years. As we have continued to reach altitudes on the global stage, we applaud each filmmaker who shared his or her talent, creativity, and passion to the world. We created this night to celebrate you,” FDCP Chairperson and CEO, Liza Diño expressed her excitement for this year’s awarding.

The annual ceremony will also be presenting the special honors of the evening — the Camera Obscura Award, as the highest honor granted by the FDCP to a film worker or a film project with extraordinary achievements with two recipients; A-list Winners for winning at top international film festivals with three recipients; and the Gabay ng Industriya Award (Ilaw ng Industriya and Haligi ng Industriya), given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions during their lifetime becoming respected pillars of the Philippine film industry. Honorees for these will be unveiled by the Agency in the coming days.

The year 2021 was a challenging one for the industry with the global pandemic limiting distribution opportunities, on-ground events, and filming logistics. As the Philippine cinema continues to transition and overcome challenges, recognitions and notable participations in the major leagues of the international film scene is a worthy cause of celebration in this much-awaited occasion.

The 6th Film Ambassador’s Night will be an exclusive, invitational event for this year’s honorees at the MET Theater—a fitting home for this very important event—the cultural gem of Manila which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. The event held in hybrid format will be telecast on the FDCP Channel on a later date.

Here is the list of this year’s Film Ambassador’s Night honorees. Watch out for FDCP’s reveal of Camera Obscura, Gabay ng Industriya, and A-List awardees, coming soon

 

SHORT FILMS

 

1. Here, Here by Joanne Cesario

 

2. The Visitor by Joey Agbayani

 

3. Venganza by Joey Agbayani

 

4. Harana by Marie Jamora

 

5. My House by Adam Dumaguin

 

6. Confession by Arjanmar Rebeta

 

7. Miss You, George! by Mark Moneda

 

8. Ang Lihim Ni Lea by Rico Gutierrez

 

9. Filipiñana by Rafael Manuel

 

10. Naiiba (Unique) by Rey Coloma

 

11. Bukal (Wellspring) by Jeffrey Smith “Epy” Quizon

 

12. Mga Salitang Inanod (Drifted Thoughts) by Gabriel Carmelo

 

13. Iamannika by Dan Versoza

 

14. Mito Ng Maynila (Myth Of Manila) by Janus Victoria

 

15. Ora Miss Mo by Khent Cacho

 

16. Ana Bikhayr  (Okay Lang Ako) by Hannah Ragudos

 

17. Bakpak by Carlos Dala

 

18. Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot by Vahn Pascual

 

19. How To Die Young In Manila by Petersen Vargas

 

20. Siil by Will Fredo

 

21. An Sadit Na Planeta by Arjanmar Rebeta

 

 

SHORT FILM ACTORS

 

1. Jek Jumawan for  Pas-An (Carried Burdens)

 

2. Frencheska Farr for Harana

 

3. Jeyrick Sigmaton for Dayas

 

4. Janice De Belen for Wounded Blood

 

DOCUMENTARIES

 

TV DOCUMENTARY

 

1. Fedelina: A Stolen Life by ABS-CBN’s DocuCentral

 

2. Miguel's Wounds (Mga Sugat Ni Miguel) by GMA-7’s Reporter’s Notebook

 

3. 24 Oras: Special Coverage Of Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses) In Luzon -  GMA Network

 

SHORT DOCUMENTARY

 

1. To Calm The Pig Inside by Joanna Vasquez Arong

 

2. Maliit Na Hakbang by Richard Legaspi

 

3. Bullet-Laced Dreams by Kristoffer Brugada And Cha Escala

 

FULL-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY

 

1. A Thousand Cuts by Ramona Diaz

 

2. Sa Layag Ng Bangkang Paurong (The Boats That Sail Backward) by Mark Giddel Liwanag

 

3. Aswang By Alyx Ayn Arumpac

 

CREATIVE AWARDS

 

1. Eric Ramos for In The Name Of The Mother

 

2. Arlyn Dela Cruz Bernal for Ecq Diary (Bawal Lumabas)

 

ACTORS

 

1. Rogelio Balagtas for Islands

 

2. Kit Thompson for Belle Douleur

 

3. Elijah Canlas for Kalel,15

 

4. Snooky Serna for In The Name Of The Mother

 

5. Julio Cesar Sabenorio for Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban

 

6. Janine Gutierrez for Dito At Doon (Here And There)

 

7. Cedrick Juan, Anna Luna and Noel Comia Jr for Gitarista (Guitarist)

 

DIRECTORS

 

1. Carlo Ortega Cuevas for Guerrero Dos, Tuloy Ang Laban

 

2. Carlo Francisco Manatad for Whether The Weather Is Fine (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon)

 

3. Maria Diane Ventura for Your Color (Deine Farbe)

 

4. Mcarthur Cruz Alejandre

 

FEATURE FILMS

 

1. Tagpuan (Crossroads) by Mcarthur Cruz Alejandre

 

2. Belle Douleur by Josabeth Alonso

 

3. In The Name Of The Mother by Joel Lamangan

 

4. Balangiga: Howling Wilderness by Khavn De La Cruz

 

5. Fan Girl by Antoinette Jadaone

 

6. Latay (Battered Husband) by Ralston Jover

 

7. Gitarista (Guitarist) by Jason Orfalas

           

8. Midnight In A Perfect World by Dodo Dayao

 

9. Metamorphosis By J.E. Tiglao

 

SPECIAL CITATION

 

1. Vice Ganda - Everybody, Sing! - ABS-CBN

 

A-LIST CITATION

 

1. Count by Adjani Arumpac

 

2. Random People by Arden Rod Condez

 

3. Gunam-Gunam X Guni-Guni (Rumi X Phantasm) by Khavn De La Cruz

 

4. Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story produced by Rocketsheep

 

5. Excuse Me, Miss, Miss, Miss by Sonny Calvento

 

6. On The Job: The Missing 8 by Erik Matti

 

7. Arisaka by Mikhail Red

 

8. Payback (Resbak) by Brillante Mendoza

 

9. The Brokers by Daniel Palacio

 

10. How To Die Young In Manila by Petersen Vargas

 

11. Big Night! by Jun Robles Lana

 

12. Last Days At Sea by Venice Atienza

 

13. Love Is A Dog From Hell by Khavn Dela Cruz

 

 

 

###

 

Film Development Council of the Philippines

Media Relations Unit

ADDRESS 855 T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila, Philippines 1000

PHONE +63 2 82569958 loc. 100

E-MAIL mediadesk@fdcp.ph

WEB https://www.fdcp.ph/

PH Delegation Goes to Berlin International Film Festival 2022

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The Philippines is proudly represented by 1 competition film, 1 featured film, 6 production companies, 8 filmmakers, and event participation to be led by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in one of the world’s leading and most reputable film festivals, the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), slated from February 10 to 20, 2022 in Germany.

The 72nd Berlinale is an opportunity to showcase Filipino talents and works in a prestigious international platform. It is being held as an in-person event with reduced seating capacity of 50% in selected movie theaters, while the Berlinale Industry sections: European Film Market (EFM), Berlinale Co-Production Market (BCM), Berlinale Talents, and World Cinema Fund is being held entirely online from February 10 to 17.

“The Berlinale, one of the top three most important and much-awaited international film festivals in the world, has been continuously recognizing our Filipino filmmakers by providing various platforms to showcase films, nurture filmmakers, and develop film projects. I trust that our filmmakers will make use of the experience and knowledge they will gain from being a part of this A-list festival and bring back the learnings to the local film industry,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.



Filipino Films in Berlinale

The short film It’s Raining Frogs Outside (Ampangabagat Nin Talakba Ha Likol) by director Maria Estela Paiso was selected to compete in the Berlinale Shorts section against twenty other short film entries from all over the world. It’s Raining Frogs Outside, the only Filipino film in the festival’s official selection, won the Gender Sensitivity Award in the QCinema International Film Festival last year. Director Estela Paiso made history for being the first Filipina filmmaker in the Berlinale Shorts history.

Recent Sundance Special Jury Award for Innovative Spirit recipient Leonor Will Never Die by Martika Ramirez Escobar had its Market Premiere at the EFM Online Screenings.



Filipino Filmmakers in the Industry Section

The participating companies in the EFM, one of the top three biggest film markets in the world, are 2076 Kolektib, ANIMA, BlackOps Studios, Create Cinema, Daluyong Studios, and VIVA Films.

In the BCM online Visitors Programme, FDCP selected five producers as the country’s official participants: Danzen Santos Katanyag of Digital Dreams Inc., Wilfredo Manalang of FUSEE Media, Kyle Nieva of Screen Asia Corporation, Paul Sta. Ana of Project 8 corner San Joaquin Projects, and John Paul Su of Eight Horses Productions, Inc.



Berlinale Talents

The festival’s talent development program, the Berlinale Talents, is an annual summit and networking platform for 200 carefully selected emerging film professionals in the industry.

Two Filipinos will take part in the Berlinale Talents: production designer Connie Valera and director and producer Rafael Manuel, while producer Bianca Balbuena-Liew will be part of the Short Form Station as a mentor.



Country Session

The BCM Country Session on February 13 will feature representatives from the Philippines, United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, and Brazil. They will discuss co-producing and funding opportunities in their respective countries.

Under the FDCP, FilmPhilippines Office (FPO) facilitates the promotion of the country as a viable filming destination for international productions, while UniPhilippines aims to assist and support Filipino films and filmmakers to gain exposure in the global scene by participating in international film festivals and markets.

The FDCP’s FPO and UniPhilippines, to be represented by Chairperson Liza Diño, will share about the Agency’s FilmPhilippines Incentives Program composed of the Film Location Engagement Desk (FLEX), Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP), International Co-production Fund (ICOF), and ASEAN Co-production Fund (ACOF).

The Philippine Delegation to Berlinale 2022:

Berlinale Shorts Competition



● It’s Raining Frogs Outside by Maria Estela Paiso



Screening Schedule:



13.02.2022 | 21:30 Central European Time | Cubix 9 (Premiere)

14.02.2022 | 12:00 Central European Time | Cubix 6

18.02.2022 | 19:00 Central European Time | CinemaxX 9

19.02.2022 | 15:30 Central European Time | Titania Palast



European Film Market



February 10 - 17



● Daluyong Studios

● 2076 Kolektib

● VIVA Films

● ANIMA

● BlackOps Studios

● Create Cinema



EFM Online Screenings



● Leonor Will Never Die by Martika Ramirez Escobar



Screening Schedule:



09.02.2022 | 14:30 Philippine Time | Virtual Cinema 5

10.02.2022 | 10:40 Philippine Time | Virtual Cinema 11

12.02.2022 | 16:00 Philippine Time | Virtual Cinema 30



Berlinale Visitors Programme



February 12 - 17



● Danzen Santos Katanyag of Digital Dreams Inc.

● Wilfredo Manalang of FUSEE Media

● Kyle Nieva of Screen Asia Corporation

● Paul Sta. Ana of Project 8 corner San Joaquin Projects

● John Paul Su of Eight Horses Productions, Inc.



Berlinale Talents



February 12 - 17



● Connie Valera

Production Designer



● Rafael Manuel

Director, Producer



Short Form Station - Mentor



● Bianca Balbuena-Liew

Producer