Monday, August 06, 2007 Guv hits filmmakers for lack of respect
THE ongoing shooting of a Hollywood movie "I come With The Rain", starring Josh Hartnett, in the mountain of Diwalwal in Monkayo, Compostela Valley is greeted with criticisms by those in the Provincial Government.
In a statement, Compostela Valley Governor Arturo "Chiongkee" T. Uy lamented that the international film company, Central Films Production, "has not shown an iota of respect and protocol to the local government officials."
"I am a bit dismayed over this international movie production who reportedly has a shooting in Mt. Diwata because they did not even call our attention here as a sign of respect and protocol. I am very much concerned about their safety here. If ever something bad would happen to them while in my province (it) would surely affect our image as a developing tourist destination and a struggling international business alternative," Uy said.
The governor added that he is also concerned on how Diwalwal is being projected to the international audience.
"We must be informed of the manner by which Diwalwal will be projected in their script; it might be damning or undesirable and we cannot permit that," said Uy.
It was learned that the Provincial Government was not officially informed about the Hollywood shooting in Diwalwal.
Governor Uy said foreigners "must know how to coordinate with the local officials who are responsible for their safety while in the place."
"Their handlers must know the protocol," he said.
Mt. Diwalwal, which has a population of roughly 40,000 people, has gold mining as its main source of living. Though mining operation in the area has been under the control and administration of the national government through the Department of environment and Natural Resources (DENR), territorial jurisdiction and political administration of the place remain with the local government.
Uy said he came to know of the Hollywood shooting through word of mouth and by some media reports.
Security is being provided by the police and military units based in Diwalwal. (BOT/With press release)
