Filming request for Pres. Duterte's SONA rejected by Sagada local goverment

The local government of Sagada, Mountain Province has turned down the request of movie director Joyce Bernal to shoot footage of the locality for the background of the President’s State of the Nation Address this year.

On July 3, a coordinator from the Malacanang Presidential Broadcast Staff-RTVM called the Mayor of Sagada and the MDRRMO asking if a team under Director Joyce K. Bernal can come to video shoot in Sagada. The local government and MDRRMO declined the request since all tourist sites remain closed and the booking of guests is still suspended.

Photo credit: spot.ph

On July 5, word was received that the team was on its way to Sagada. The MDRRMO recommended for an emergency meeting and found out that an email by Direct Bernal’s team was sent after office hours on July 3 informing the Mayor of the team coming on the night of July 5.

When the group of Direct Bernal arrived they were escorted to Sagada Cellar Door where they were allowed stay.

During the meeting, Direct Bernal was called to attend and the Local Task Force explained their stand and sentiments which Direct Bernal clearly understood and apologized. The place were Director Bernal's team stayed will undergo monitoring as well as the staffs will be quarantined.

The mayor said that they want Sagada to remain Covid free, it doesn't matter who asked the favor or where the favor came from because the health of the people are at risk.

The Sagada local government added that in terms of health facilities, it is not ready to handle the possible spread of the disease. It also said that entry of guests from high-risk areas such as Metro Manila is likewise prohibited.

As of July 5, Sagada remains COVID-free while there is only one COVID-19 case in the whole of Mountain Province.