News Briefs

Luigi warns on toxic toys

A HOUSE resolution filed by Rep. Luis Gabriel Quisumbing of Cebu’s 6th district called for an inquiry into the presence of cheap toys and accessories in the market that contain toxic amounts of lead and cadmium.

In his resolution, Quisumbing called on the congressional health committee to lead the investigation and the Department of Health to issue a health advisory to educate consumers on the dangers of lead and cadmium content in toys.

Quisumbing cited a report titled “Global Study to Determine Lead in New Decorative Paints in 10 Countries,” which showed that 25 household paint samples in Manila had lead content concentrations higher than 90ppm (parts per million).

The congressman said most retailers are flooding the market with cheap toys and accessories due to the holidays. Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza

Cebuano film festival wraps up

THE two-day “Binisaya” film festival wrapped up yesterday in the University of San Carlos  with organizers hoping the event will encourage more local patronage of films made by Cebuanos and shot in Cebu.

“The films mirrors ourselves. It is the Cebuano reality,” said director Remton Zausola told Cebu Daily News.

The film festival is on its third year following a low-key launch in a small resto-bar in Cebu City.

“It’s about time that the Cebuanos appreciate this cultural development. It would be better if they also see the movies and not just hear about it,” director Keith Deligero said.

Viktor Villanueva, another local filmmaker, said Cebuano films are already established in the national and international film industry.

Included in the event’s highlight is the full length film “Byernes-byernes” made by seven directors, including Zuasola and Deligero. It  chronicles a random event in Cebu in surreal terms. Reporter Candeze R. Mongaya