TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines (PIA) – Three youths from the Visayas who were declared champions in the recently concluded Kabataan sa Bisayas Media Festival, will represent the country in the Seoul International Youth Film Festival (SIYFF) on July 7 to 13, 2011.

Said youngsters are Wency Anotado of Santa Margarita, Samar for his mini-documentary film entitled “Batang User,” Jericho Codilan of Salcedo, Eastern Samar for his Public Service Announcement (PSA) entitled “Kalsada,” and Mareza Impas of Camotes, Cebu for her work entitled “Pasagad.”

Mr. Mag Hatol said since its founding in 1999, the SIYFF has become a notably major festival for young people in Korea.

“The SIYFF is not simply a one time film festival but this is where young people from all over the world participate to show their work in film,” Mr. Hatol pointed out, “It has grown into a place of media education for the youth.

This year’s edition of SIYFF is offering youths from all around the world a chance to actually make their own films during the festival period and participate in a positive and cooperative environment.”

The three aforementioned champions received cash prizes and trophies, and were also the recipient of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Special Award and the Leyte Governor’s Choice Award and where given $200 each as pocket money for their trip to the South Korean capital in July.