Carl E. Balita is spearheading a project meant to instill pride among today’s generation of nurses.
He explained, “Karamihan kasi andun pa rin ang mentality na katulong o utusan lang ng duktor ang nurse. I want to change that mentality. How? By creating a film on nurses as inspired by a pillar in Philippine Nursing, Anastacia Giron-Tupas.”
The Ilocana was the first-ever Filipina to become chief nurse at the Philippine General Hospital.
She also founded the Philippine Nurses Association.
“Anastacia Giron-Tupas led quite a life mostly in service of the people and it would really be nice to show it to nurses of today to inspire them, to instill pride in them regarding their chosen profession,” said Carl, himself a registered nurse.
Titled “Siglo Ng Kalinga,” the film is also aimed at immortalizing 100 years of the profession here in the country.
“Ang layo na ng narating ng nursing sa bansa,” said Carl. “Global na nga tayo and we Filipinos are considered among the best in the field so I think this film is quite timely.”
The venture is nothing new for Carl who, prior, produced such landmark films as “Nars,” and “Ang Maestra.”
Both films were lauded here and abroad.
Directed by multi-awarded Lem Lorca and written by Archie Del Mundo, “Siglo Ng Kalinga,” as produced by Carl himself, will cast actual nurses in prominent roles.
“I felt lang na mas maganda, mas relatable kapag nurses din ang stars ng film,” shared Carl. “Naniniwala ako na maraming mga nurses diyan na may talent sa acting so we are going to tap into that.”
“Siglo Ng Kalinga” is set for release next year.