TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — Tarlac universities once again dominated the regional filmmaking scene, with Tarlac State University (TSU) and Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) bagging top honors at the 2025 PelikulAgraryo film showcase under the banner of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
The annual festival, themed “Pag-ani sa mga Pangarap: Mga Kwento ng Pag-asa at Tagumpay sa Agraryo,” gives student filmmakers a platform to capture the grit of rural communities, the strength of collective action, and the transformative spirit of agrarian reform through cinematic storytelling.
TSU claimed the Region III victory in the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) category with their poignant entry, “Punla.” Directed by Clarise Ann Dacanay, the film stars Alyssa Moreno as Lolita, Laurence Marimla as Juan, Abijah Privado as Lolita’s Mother, Jennelle Pagaduan as Little Lolita, and Paul Andrei Paraiso as Lolita’s Grandson.
Meanwhile, TAU secured the Region III crown in the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) category with “Rang-ay.” Directed by Hazel Samantha Delos Reyes, the feature stars Rocida Shielu Evangelista as Iyang, James Cedrick Ogo as Caloy, Joevy Irish Dela Cruz as Nanay, Ysalyn Pingot as Donya Seves, Mikka Ella Agustin as Sally, and Allen John Agcang as the DAR Officer.
Tarlac 2nd Congressional District Representative Cristy Angeles lauded the provincial institutions’ twin victories.
“Isang karangalan ang inyong tagumpay sa 2026 PELIKULAGRARYO sa ARB at ARBO Categories! Mula sa husay sa paglikha hanggang sa husay sa pagganap, pinatunayan ng TSU na ang talento, kuwento, at sining ng pelikula ay kayang magbigay-inspirasyon at magbigay-buhay sa mga pangarap ng ating ng ating mga magsasaka,” Angeles stated.
The winning films offered deeply moving narratives grounded in the realities of Tarlac’s farming sector.
TSU’s “Punla” follows Lolita, a landless tiller facing profound personal losses and economic hardship until the intervention of the DAR’s Project SPLIT paves the way for a generational harvest of hope, culminating in her grandson graduating as a teacher.
On the other hand, TAU’s “Rang-ay” unfolds through the eyes of a young girl named Iyang in Pindangan 2nd, Camiling, tracing her father Caloy’s journey and the struggles of the Pindangan 2nd Managos Ambayat Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative as they battle oppression and ultimately flourish through collective resilience and government support.
