ICTSI Foundation celebrates community partnerships through short film showcase

The ICTSI Foundation hosted an appreciation night on June 13 at Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila, to recognize the contributions of its frontliner-partners from Parola and Isla Puting Bato—communities neighboring the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in Tondo.

Titled SineSerbisyo: Mga Kuwento ng Pagkakaisa, Paglago, at Pag-asa mula sa Parola at Isla Puting Bato (Servicing: Stories of Unity, Growth, and Hope from Parola and Isla Puting Bato), the event featured grassroots stories of environmental, educational, and nutritional initiatives through short films created by the Foundation’s community partners.

Participants included EcoPatrols, teachers from the Rosauro Almario Elementary School annexes, staff from the Don Bosco Youth Center – Tondo, and childcare workers from barangays 20 and 275—key collaborators in the Foundation’s programs for underserved youth in Manila.

Leading up to the culminating event, the Foundation held workshops and dialogue sessions to assess community needs and enhance the implementation of its initiatives. The short film competition served as a creative platform to reflect these experiences.

The Don Bosco Youth Center – Tondo won Best Short Film, while Barangay 275 EcoPatrols received second place and the Best Social Impact Film award.

The evening also featured a red carpet welcome, raffle prizes, and team-building activities. ICTSI Foundation Executive Director Filipina Laurena honored employees who have served the organization for 10, 15, and 16 years.

The event is part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with local partners who play a vital role in delivering programs on the ground.