CinemaBravo

How about a zero-waste production shoot? It’s possible.

Lino Cayetano, the producer of the upcoming folklore horror ‘The Caretakers’ starring Iza Calzado and Dimples Romana, has taken a firm stance on sustainability during filming. Speaking at his solo media conference on February 17, hosted by Miss Roselle and Atty. Keith Monteverde of Regal Entertainment, Cayetano revealed that his experience in government influenced his decision to implement a ‘zero waste policy’ on set.

Answering CinemaBravo’s question during the event, Cayetano emphasized how his past role as barangay captain shaped his perspective on environmental issues.

“Yung learnings ko (The lessons I learned) when I was in government, when I was a barangay captain, I wanted to bring it to the set of our movies…”

He explained that the simple issue of waste mismanagement significantly contributes to flooding in Metro Manila. By partnering with Mother Earth Foundation (MEF), a non-profit organization advocating Zero Waste through systematic waste reduction and proper management, he hopes to set a new standard for the film industry.

CinemaBravo also asked how Cayetano wanted this principle to reflect in the film itself, beyond what happens behind the scenes.

“Sa totoo lang, iniisip rin namin kung anong epekto rin nito sa produkto, kasi baka mamaya it’s just something that happens behind the scene…”

(To be honest, we were also thinking about how this would impact the final product, because it might just be something happening behind the scenes…)

He pointed out that treating the crew well—providing proper working hours, good meals, and comfortable resting areas—can inspire both the team and the audience. Cayetano firmly believes that sustainable practices should be integrated into film production in a way that uplifts the entire filmmaking process.

Before venturing into filmmaking, Cayetano directed for television, from GMA’s revolutionary talent search StarStruck (his very first) up to ABS-CBN’s drama series High Street (his most recent).

Outside of entertainment, Cayetano, son of former Senator Rene “Compañero” Cayetano, served as Taguig City Mayor from 2019 to 2022. He is currently running for congressman of the first district of Taguig-Pateros.

On February 18, the Taguig Court ruled in favor of Cayetano, affirming him as a legitimate resident and registered voter of Taguig-Pateros. This decision solidifies the legitimacy of his congressional candidacy, which was also upheld by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

The full statement reads:

Lubos naming ipinagpapasalamat na kinilala ng Korte ang katotohanan— kami ay tunay na residente ng Unang Distrito (Taguig-Pateros).

(We deeply appreciate that the Court has recognized the truth—we are legitimate residents of the First District [Taguig-Pateros].)

Malugod naming tinatanggap ang desisyon ng Korte ng Taguig na pinagtitibay ang aming paninirahan sa Barangay Ususan at kinikilala ang aming karapatan bilang mga lehitimong residente at rehistradong botante ng Unang Distrito ng Taguig-Pateros. Ang hatol na ito ay hindi lamang nagtataguyod ng aming konstitusyunal na karapatang bumoto kundi pati na rin ng pangunahing prinsipyo na ang bawat mamamayan ay may kalayaang pumili ng kanilang tirahan.

(We wholeheartedly welcome the decision of the Taguig Court affirming our residence in Barangay Ususan and recognizing our right as legitimate residents and registered voters of the First District of Taguig-Pateros. This ruling not only upholds our constitutional right to vote but also reinforces the fundamental principle that every citizen has the freedom to choose their residence.)

Ang tagumpay na ito ay hindi lamang para sa amin kundi para rin sa bawat botante na may karapatang lumahok sa demokratikong proseso nang hindi pinagdududahan o ipinagkakait. Kinilala rin ng Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ang pagiging lehitimo ng aming kandidatura, na nagsisiguro na ang aking pangalan ay nararapat na kasama sa opisyal na balota. Isa itong patunay ng aming dedikasyon na maglingkod sa Taguig at Pateros nang may integridad at tapat na paninindigan.

(This victory is not just for us but for every voter who has the right to participate in the democratic process without being questioned or denied. The Commission on Elections [COMELEC] has also recognized the legitimacy of our candidacy, ensuring that my name is rightfully included in the official ballot. This is a testament to our dedication to serving Taguig and Pateros with integrity and unwavering commitment.)

Sa harap ng tagumpay na ito, magpapatuloy kami nang may panibagong determinasyon, na nakatuon sa mahahalagang isyu na may direktang epekto sa ating mga komunidad—trabaho, kalusugan, edukasyon, kapayapaan at kaayusan, at pangmatagalang pag-unlad. Higit kailanman, nananatili ang aming pangako na makipagtulungan at maglingkod para sa mga mamamayan ng Taguig at Pateros, upang matiyak na ang kanilang tinig ay maririnig at ang kanilang pangangailangan ay matutugunan.

(In light of this victory, we will continue with renewed determination, focusing on crucial issues that directly impact our communities—employment, healthcare, education, peace and order, and long-term development. More than ever, we remain committed to collaborating and serving the people of Taguig and Pateros, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.)

Lubos ang aming pasasalamat sa aming pamilya, mga kaibigan, at tagasuporta na hindi bumitiw sa laban na ito. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtataguyod ng malinis at patas na halalan, kung saan nangingibabaw ang demokrasya at tunay na pinapahalagahan ang boses ng taumbayan.

(We express our deepest gratitude to our family, friends, and supporters who have stood by us throughout this journey. Let us continue to advocate for clean and fair elections, where democracy prevails, and the voice of the people is genuinely valued.)