By Mikee Natinga Norico
Congratulations to Centralian filmmakers Richard Jeroui Salvadico (BS DMIA ĢƵ18) and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay (AB MassCom ĢƵ19) for being recognized as Best Director awardees at the 48th Gawad Urian for their exceptional work in the film ĢƵTumandok.ĢƵ
Centralian pride shines once again as alumni Richard Jeroui Salvadico (BS DMIA ĢƵ18) and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay (AB Mass Communication ĢƵ19) were hailed as Pinakamahusay na Direktor (Best Director) for their acclaimed film ĢƵTܳԻǰĢƵ at the 48th Gawad Urian Awards, held on October 11, 2025, at the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium, De La Salle University.
The Gawad Urian, established in 1977 by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang PilipinoĢƵan organization composed of film critics, writers, professors, and scholarsĢƵis one of the most prestigious award-giving bodies in Philippine cinema.
Salvadico and SumagaysayĢƵs recognition marks a significant milestone for Western Visayas cinema, as ĢƵTܳԻǰĢƵ continues to bring regional and indigenous stories to national prominence. The film, which centers on the lives of the Ati community in Sitio Kabarangkalan, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, also received multiple awards, including Best Supporting Actor (Felipe Ganancial), Best Screenplay, and Best Music.
In their speech, the duo dedicated the award to the Ati community, which served as the heart of their story.
ĢƵThis award belongs as much to them as it does to us,ĢƵ said Salvadico. He also took the moment to highlight social realities, stating, ĢƵRecently, corruption has made headlines ĢƵ stolen billions that could have built roads and schools, and secured land titles for the indigenous people. Instead, they are forced to walk miles to learn while they deserve the dignity of dreaming and learning in their own land.ĢƵ
Sumagaysay, in her message, underscored the importance of empathy and cultural respect.
ĢƵLet us use our platforms and privileges to help build a future where fear no longer exists, and where more Indigenous PeoplesĢƵ communities are given a chance not just to survive, but to live and to dream,ĢƵ she said.
She concluded her speech with a powerful reflection:
ĢƵThis award, alongside Tumandok, will always remind us that filmmaking is both a privilege and a responsibility.ĢƵ
It can be recalled that the documentary film ĢƵTܳԻǰĢƵ also garnered several recognitions at the 20th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, where it won the Best Full-Length Film Award.
Through their artistry, Salvadico and Sumagaysay continue to amplify the voices of indigenous communities and highlight the richness of Western VisayasĢƵ cultural identity ĢƵ a testament to the enduring excellence and social commitment of Centralian filmmakers.
For more updates about ĢƵTܳԻǰĢƵ, visit the filmĢƵs official or read more about its story at.