Jerry Ocampo Tirazona- Aklan’s First Filmmaker and a Life Framed in Service and Story Telling

By Dadmar Amores

KALIBO, Aklan-  April 25, marked the 23rd death anniversary of Jerry Ocampo Tirazona, who passed away in Quezon City. His legacy, however, continues to resonate—both in Philippine cinema and in the communities he once served.

Widely regarded as Aklan’s first filmmaker, Tirazona remains unmatched in his contribution to the province’s cinematic history. His journey is as remarkable as the films he created—rising from the grassroots as a community organizer to becoming a respected figure in national filmmaking.
From Barrio Development to the Big Screen

Before entering the world of film, Tirazona worked as a Barrio Development Worker under the Presidential Assistant on Community Development (PACD), a government initiative launched during the administration of Ramon Magsaysay. The program aimed to uplift rural communities and promote self-reliance, while also countering grassroots insurgency through development work.

Fresh from earning his degree in Business Administration from Aklan Colleges in 1963, Tirazona joined PACD and underwent intensive training at University of the Philippines Los Baños. He was first assigned to Borongan, and later to Zumarraga, both in then part of the single province of Samar.
Even then, he stood out—not just as a field worker, but as a storyteller. He became a prolific contributor to PACD’s newsletter, showcasing both his writing talent and deep understanding of grassroots realities.

His work caught the attention of PACD Secretary Ernesto Maceda, who transferred him to the central office in Manila.
A Writer First, Then a Filmmaker
In Manila, Tirazona expanded his reach as a writer and communicator. He contributed articles on community development to leading publications such as Philippine Free Press, Weekly Graphic, and The Nation.
His early exposure to media production—particularly through PACD’s well-equipped Public Information Office—honed his skills in storytelling for visual formats.

The office produced 16mm newsreels for television, giving Tirazona hands-on experience in scripting and visual narrative.

It was also during this time that he developed connections in the film and entertainment industry. Encouraged by noted scriptwriter Bonnie Paredes, Tirazona began writing screenplays—many of which reflected his roots in community organizing, often tackling social themes and moral dilemmas.

A Prolific Career in Film

From the 1980s to the early 2000s, Tirazona directed, wrote, and produced a range of action and war films that left a distinct mark on Philippine cinema.
Among his notable works are:
• Kapwa Simaron (1981)
• Estranghero (1982)
• Sa Dulo ng Baril (1988)
• Kailan Dapat Lumaban? (1988)
• Ultimatum: Ceasefire (1980s)
• Tingga ng Katarungan (1990)
• Sgt. Maderazo: Bayad na Pati Kaluluwa Mo (2001)
• Lapu-Lapu (2002)

He also contributed to projects such as Chinatown 2: The Vigilantes, Pepeng Agimat, Ang Pagbabalik ni Palos, Prinsipe Abante, and Tapang sa Tapang.

His film Lapu-Lapu earned him a Best Screenplay award and starred Vic Vargas, further cementing his place in the industry.

A Life Behind the Camera

Tirazona’s personal life was equally rich. He was married to Alma Gandamon of Ozamiz City, a retired Assistant Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Office of Public Affairs. Together, they raised seven children—six daughters and one son—who have all gone on to succeed in their respective fields.

Legacy of Purpose and Creativity

Jerry Ocampo Tirazona’s life story is, in many ways, cinematic—a narrative of passion, service, and creative evolution.

From organizing rural communities to crafting stories for the silver screen, he embodied the power of storytelling as a tool for both reflection and change.

More than just Aklan’s first filmmaker, he was a pioneer who proved that great stories can come from the grassroots—and that those stories deserve to be seen, heard, and remembered. ###

NEXT: Jerry would be happy in heaven to know that a young man from Malinao is following his footsteps – making documentary films and already receiving serious attention from international filmmakers.