22/09/2026
Registration extended until September 25, Friday, 4:00PM.
MABALACAT CITY WATER DISTRICT
GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT
SHORT FILM FEST 2026 – Junior High School Edition
In light of the annual campaign of Mabalacat City Water District (MCWD) dedicated to National Mental Health Awareness Month this October, MCWD will once again conduct an activity of awareness and showcasing of talents. MCWD will conduct a SHORT FILM FEST COMPETITION for High School students of Mabalacat City from both public and private schools.
The contest aims to encourage the active participation of Mabalaqueños, particularly high school students, in the observance of National Mental Health Awareness Month through this year's theme, "Kuwento ng Katatagan, Pag-asa, at Paghilom." The event will be on October 15, 2026, Thursday, from 10:00 AM onwards (Venue to be announced).
MECHANICS / GUIDELINES:
1. ELIGIBILITY
• The competition is open to ALL GRADE 7 - 10 STUDENTS from both public and private schools within Mabalacat City, Pampanga, Philippines.
• Only one (1) short film entry is allowed per school.
• The students representing must not be related to any MCWD employee or their relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity.
• Participants are limited to FIFTEEN (15) slots only, once all the slots are filled, registration will be closed.
2. RULES
• Each Short film is limited up to 10 minutes only.
• The screening of all short films will be held on October 15, 2026.
• Each participating school must send at least five (5) representatives
• Filipino (or Tagalog) is the medium of the short film.
• Joining the contest constitutes permission to use the participant’s name and entry for purposes of presentation, marketing and promotion without additional compensation, as authorized by law.
3. CRITERIA
The decision of the panel of judges based on the following criteria is final and irrevocable.
• Relevance to the theme. Clearly connects to the theme of "Kuwento ng Katatagan, Pag-asa, at Paghilom." The film promotes mental health awareness and shows the value of a caring school environment - 30%
• Creativity & Storytelling. The originality, emotional impact, and ex*****on of the screenplay. The narrative should present the theme in a unique and responsible manner, avoiding harmful tropes regarding mental health - 25%
• Acting. The natural and convincing performances of the student actors. The characters feel real, genuine, and easy for the audience to connect with emotionally - 20%
• Technical Ex*****on. Video: Steady camera shots and clear lighting. Audio: Clear voices and well-balanced background music. Editing: Smooth transitions that make the story flow well - 15%
• Audience Impact. The film’s ability to engage, move, and inspire the viewers. It leaves a lasting, positive impression that sparks meaningful conversations or reflection about mental health. - 10%
4. AWARDS/PRIZES
There will be three (3) winners who will receive the following:
• 1st Prize = 15,000 + Certificate of Recognition
• 2nd Prize = 12,000 + Certificate of Recognition
• 3rd Prize = 10,000 + Certificate of Recognition
5. REGISTRATION
I. DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
Submit hardcopy/softcopy of the following:
• Identification. Photocopy of School ID;
• Parental Consent (Annex A) with photocopy of valid ID of Parent/Guardian; and
• School’s certification (Annex B) allowing the student to represent the school.
II. WHEN AND HOW
Until September 17,2026 4:00 PM or until all the slots are filled. May be done thru the following:
• Online via Official page. https://www.facebook.com/mcwdgad2021
• Via Office. MCWD Main Office, 2nd Floor MCWD Building, CMU Office and look for Mr. Francis Vital – GAD TWG Chairperson.
Note: Attendance will be checked on the day of the contest thirty (30) minutes prior to program proper.
6. QUERY
Kindly message us at Mabalacat City WD Gender and Development the official page (https://www.facebook.com/mcwdgad2021) for further inquiries and clarifications.
