PILI, CAMARINES SUR — The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, through the CamSur Animation Studio, held the graduation ceremony for the 46th batch of the Gov. Lray Animation Training Program on April 7, 2026, at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili. Seven trainees successfully completed the rigorous 840-hour, six-month program, earning qualifications in 2D Animation NC III.

The program covers three progressive stages of animation training: traditional (paper-based) animation, tradigital animation, and cut-out animation, all of which are required competencies for the 2D Animation NC III certification. Graduates are equipped with skills in character design, storytelling, and industry-standard digital tools, including Toon Boom Harmony.

Graduate Spotlight

Among the graduates is Melkki B. de Leon of San Felipe, Naga City, who has been passionate about arts and drawing since childhood. Her academic background in animation from senior high school through college aligns with the program’s curriculum, and she enrolled to build formal credentials for her career.

“My experience here in our training in CamSur was really great. My knowledge of the software used in our industry, Toon Boom Harmony, was further expanded. And I learned a lot, especially in drawing, both traditional on paper and digital.”

Despite their small class size, the batch successfully produced their graduation project, “Food for Chicko” — a 2D animated short video that earned praise from families and viewers alike. De Leon noted that their compact group actually worked in their favor, enabling seamless coordination throughout the production pipeline, including coloring, painting, and scene editing.

​In return for her dedication and perseverance, she received a special award during graduation, which, according to her, was unexpected. 

"This is truly a great opportunity for the youth, even for those who were not able to finish their studies but dream of entering this kind of industry, and who have the real potential and talent to create animation. Thank you so much to Gov. Lray Villafuerte and to the Province of CamSur for this opportunity given to us," Melkki concluded.

Two Decades of Changing Lives

Animation Trainer Michael Dexter E. Bertumen brings a unique perspective to the program; he was himself a pioneer trainee when it launched in January 2006. After working in several animation studios in Manila, he returned as a trainer in 2012 and has since witnessed the program’s transformative impact firsthand.

"I have witnessed how the lives of the trainees have changed. Because back then, I knew someone who would walk or bike just to get here [studio] to be able to train. Some of them would even arrive here with their shoes completely soaked because they got caught in the rain." 

He shared that, today, some of them already have motorcycles and even cars. Some of them had worked in various animation studios in Manila and even went abroad. “Many lives have been changed by this training from struggling to living comfortably. So, as I always say about animation, you may not become extremely wealthy, but at least you will be able to live comfortably.”

Bertumen emphasized the program’s relevance in a growing global industry, “In animation, it’s better to start early. Every day is a learning process. The world of animation is quite small, but there are many in-demand artists all over the world who are truly looking for animators.”

​He closed with a message of gratitude: “On behalf of CamSur Animation, its trainees and staff, we would like to thank the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur for putting up this kind of training. It really helps a lot of aspiring animators.”