This January 2026, we highlight “Damayan” by Celine and Dennis Murillo, awarded 2nd Best Film in Indie-Siyensya, the pioneering science filmmaking competition of DOST-SEI. Their work reminds us how a nation is built, one mushroom at a time.

Their film draws attention to the hidden networks beneath our forests –the mycelial threads that connect and protect life. By bringing these unseen systems to light, Damayan shows how science and art together can deepen our understanding of ecology and spark curiosity about the world we often overlook.

For us, Damayan is a reminder that abundance is both fragile and resilient. Seeds, blooms, edible plants, and towering trees are not merely resources but part of a living cosmos that calls for care and respect.

It’s about the science of art, and the art of science. Watch it and be guided throughout 2026. Damayan reminds us to resist oversimplification, to counter disinformation. It invites Filipinos into informed conversations about the world around us that we don’t see. It is a film that encourages us to think critically, to see connections, and to protect what is native to our land.

Watch Damayan and join its invitation to curiosity and care.