GOVPH

A free virtual movie screening for the independent film “Sol Searching” was held from April 14 to April 16, 2021, via Zoom by the Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) in celebration of Women’s Month.  

The three-day virtual activity is one of the advocacies of DOST-STII, through its GAD Focal Point System and Technical Working Group, to promote and recognize the heroism, dedication, sacrifice, and contributions of Filipino women in their communities and there is no better platform to present them than through a movie.

Sol Searching revolves around a strict grade school teacher named Sol Dolores portrayed by Gilleth Sandicho, the only person in the community who has the guts and patience to educate the farmers living in a province where the main source of livelihood is farming.

In the movie, Sol saw what others had left as is; the village’s farmers lack of the knowledge and funds to produce enough crops for a living.

It was ironic when Sol died, her husband, Django Dolores played by veteran actor Joey Marquez, did not have enough funds to have her buried. Because of this, Lorelei Baloloy, portrayed by actress Pokwang and Bugoy, played by child actor JM Salvado had to carry her coffin and paraded it in different communities so they could get enough funds or finally find someone who can help bury her.

Sol Search was written by Mark Norman Boquiren and Roman Perez Jr. who directed this independent film.

“This is the second time that the DOST-STII conducted a movie screening like this, primarily for DOST employees as our target audience. We would like to increase the consciousness and appreciation of the entire science department regarding the significant contributions of Filipinas in terms of building a better place to live for their respective communities. In this movie, Teacher Sol, despite her struggles, she was able to make an impact to her students and the farmers, wherein, she shared her knowledge on how to grow their crops properly and efficiently”, said Alan C. Taule, chief of the Information Resources and Analysis Division of DOST-STII.

He added that DOST-STII for the longest time; has been actively promoting the Gender-Fairness principle in various products and platforms such as publications, the content of social media pages, digital broadcasting, websites, mobile apps, and library resources.

More than 300 employees attended the movie screening and all of them shared their key takeaways and learning insights from the life of Teacher Sol.

“This film made me laugh, cried, amazed, and it led me to many realizations and worthwhile reflections in life. It is relatable, entertaining, and very informative. Salute to

the character of Sol of being a teacher promoting a much appreciation to all our farmers”, said Irish Kate R. Cerdon of DOST-PCIEERD.

“Congratulations on this initiative. It is such a comic, witty, and heart-wrenching film; I enjoyed it. Educators, as well as farmers (and fisher folks), are almost always underappreciated but indispensable,” shared by Danikko John, V. Rivera from DOST-PHIVOLCS.

“The story portrays the realistic picture of what real life is. I was able to see the frustrating side of trying to help our farmers learn and grow in their way of farming, the life of frustration and betrayal. It is the reality of life that there are people who are using others for their gain. It is a very good movie to watch with lessons to learn. Thank you very much DOST-STII,” said Evelyn B. Seranado from DOST-PHIVOLCS.(By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII)