MANILA – To bolster the Philippine film industry, President Ferdinand Marcos has enacted Executive Order No. 70, a decisive step aimed at enhancing the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) and, by extension, the entire cinematic landscape of the nation. The order, which repositions the FAP under the administrative supervision of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is set to usher in a new era of support and recognition for Filipino talents in the field of motion picture arts and sciences.
The reorganization of the FAP, as mandated by the executive order, includes the establishment of a board of trustees comprising officials from various government agencies, ensuring a collaborative approach to the academy’s governance. This strategic alignment is designed to synergize with the programs, activities, and projects of existing government bodies involved in promoting and developing the Philippine film industry.
A key component of EO No. 70 is the directive for the FAP to establish and organize an annual National Film Awards. This prestigious event is envisioned to recognize, promote, and celebrate Filipinos’ world-class talents and outputs in the motion picture arts and sciences. The awards are expected to catalyze the revitalization of the Philippine film industry, providing a platform for Filipino filmmakers to gain national and international acclaim.
Furthermore, the executive order emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the FAP and other relevant government agencies, such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in establishing the National Film Awards. This cooperative effort signifies the government’s commitment to maximizing the full potential of the Philippine film industry by providing due recognition and assistance to its artists.
The EO also outlines the FAP’s primary function of giving due recognition to outstanding motion pictures, artists, and relevant stakeholders, with the end goal of revitalizing and further promoting the Philippine film industry. To achieve this, the FAP is directed to work closely with the Department of Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council, as well as the private sector and academe.
The funding requirements for the initial implementation of EO No. 70 are to be sourced from the current and available appropriations of the FAP’s member agencies. Additionally, the Department of Budget and Management is tasked with identifying other appropriate funding sources to ensure the effective implementation of the order.
President Marcos’ Executive Order No. 70 represents a significant commitment to the Philippine film industry, promising to provide the necessary support and infrastructure to nurture and showcase the rich storytelling tradition and creative talents of the nation. (zai)