By Jesse Auman

CCS students shine as “Ang Pagtilipon sang mga Damgo” dominates DAR PelikulAgraryo 2025 Region VI, earning Best Film and set to represent the region in the nationals.

Students from the College of Computer Studies (CCS) have once again proven their creative excellence as The Lay Production emerged as the biggest winner in the Department of Agrarian Reform’s PelikulAgraryo 2025, dominating the ARBO (Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization) Category. Their emotionally charged and socially relevant short film, “Ang Pagtilipon sang mga Damgo” (The Gathering of Dreams), won top honors and is now set to represent Region VI in the national level competition to be held in Manila.

The film clinched the coveted Best Film award, recognized for its powerful narrative that highlights the struggles and unity of agrarian reform beneficiaries. Rodmar Eli Valenzuela Ador earned Best Actor for his compelling portrayal of Seryo, a cooperative leader fighting for his fellow farmers’ rights. The production also received Best Cinematography, thanks to the striking visuals crafted by Pete Marwin Tristeza and Rio John Elenterio, and Best Screenplay for the evocative script written by Azel Mae Moquera and Jesse Jot Auman. Alongside these wins, the film garnered several major nominations, including Best Actress for Daizelle Nicole Diaz who portrayed Inday, a young woman whose courage complements the farmers’ cause; Best Editing for the seamless post-production work of Pete Marwin Tristeza and Jhon Louie San Jose; and Best Director, highlighting Pete Marwin Tristeza’s compelling vision and direction.

Behind the success of The Lay Production is a team of passionate and dedicated CCS students. The film was produced by Jesse Jot Auman and Tim Jason Gonzales, with Pete Marwin Tristeza taking on multiple roles as Director, Cinematographer, and Editor. The screenplay was written by Azel Mae Moquera and Jesse Jot Auman, while Zenadine Zidane Pablo served as Musical Director. The production team also included Johnuel Manalang for Production Design. The cast delivered heartfelt and powerful performances that brought the story’s message to life. Rodmar Eli Valenzuela Ador portrayed Seryo, the dedicated cooperative leader at the center of the narrative. Daizelle Nicole Diaz played Inday, the determined female lead. Supporting roles were played by Vince Ombid, Johnnuel Manalang, Neljhan Getia-ayon, Thea Hare, Marius Tingson, Jhon Louie San Jose, and Genesis Gico as the group of farmers. Ryan Jacob Molina appeared as the motorcycle driver, John Benedict Nuñal as the truck driver, and Jesse Jot Auman took the role of a DAR official. Protesters were played by Tim Jason Gonzales and John Imma, while the mayor’s goons were portrayed by Hernando Albania Jr. and Nicholas Eduard Fofanda. James Cachila played the role of the engineer, and Emman Rey Saquibal portrayed Mayor Vince Marwin Gonzales.

With its regional success, “Ang Pagtilipon sang mga Damgo” will proudly raise the banner of Region VI in the national PelikulAgraryo 2025 competition in Manila. This milestone is not just a victory for CCS students; it is a powerful reminder of how youth voices and local stories can spark national conversations and champion the cause of agrarian reform through the lens of film.