This past week, Benguet State University marked its 96th Foundation Day anniversary.

From an agricultural school established by the Americans, the institution has evolved to a college then a state university that is widely known in the country and abroad. This year’s celebration starts off the countdown to its 100 years in 2016.

Education is key to addressing poverty in this country. We need to improve and introduce reforms in the education sector if we are to be globally competitive. Government must invest big to improve and upgrade services to benefit both the teachers and the students, generating support from the private sector. Government must bite the bullet and increase teacher’s wages and give them benefits, such as insurance. Grants, incentives, and innovative programs, must be made available to both teachers and students so that those deserving have access to learning and higher education – and to eventually shine.

It is our hope that by the time BSU celebrates its centennial, most of the needed reforms will have been realized.

Film tourism

The International Film Conference held in Manila last week brought to fore the idea of “film tourism” to promote destinations.

In his message to conference participants from the Asean region, Tourism Sec. Ramon Jimenez said showing scenes in a country in movies is good for tourism. He said films generate a gift of insights, thus its role in society cannot be discounted. He cited the important role of Filipino filmmakers who were a “fundamental part of the offering.” The DOT chief was proud of the fact that over 200 independent films were made in the past year. Several films have, in fact, won awards in international film festivals.

There are benefits of foreign films that do co-production with Filipino counterparts. This was validated by Lope Juban Jr., Philippine coordinator of foreign films, the latest being “Bourne Legacy.” He ticked up the huge benefits to the local industry and businesses from that film being shot in the Philippines.

While independent filmmakers are given tax and financial incentives, it is not enough. We have the example of Baguio’s Martin Masadao’s winning script for Anak ti Pating that was awarded P600,000 by the Film Development Council of the Philippines. However, it is not enough as at least P3 million is needed to produce a film. Martin’s film is set in Baguio and would have given insight on Baguio life and show local scenes, if support is found to produce it.

In Korea, the local government gives as much as 60 percent support for production of films, with the national government shouldering 40 percent. Perhaps it is high time that the city supports endeavors by local film makers. Certainly, this will bring more benefits than staging a fake snow show. The private sector’s support is also vital.

News misreporting

We cannot imagine how much of what is coming out of our broadsheets is misreported.

My daughter complained that interviews with her were twisted and what was published was not what she said. Our retort was, if you have a public life, expect to be misquoted or have words put in your mouth. Don’t let it get to you; it is part of a media game some people play.

My first experience with being misreported about was when just in my 20s, a society columnist wrote of my engagement to a high profile official. It was immediately denied with another lie and in her next column, she said, the engagement was called off because the bride had changed her mind. Though the news was baseless, it nevertheless found print. The first time this happened was traumatic but then it has happened again and again then one gets immune to it.

Some news writers put words in people’s mouths. Others don’t know the difference between news and fiction. Denials often follow but these come much later on or are placed in obscure parts of the paper. The harm has been done. The lie has become truth.

Sad, but true.