MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a proclamation declaring the month of September as the “Philippine Film Industry Month” to recognize the invaluable contribution and sacrifices of all stakeholders and sectors of the film industry.”
Duterte, in his Proclamation 1085 signed on Feb. 3, emphasized the need to “showcase and celebrate the achievements and progress of the discipline of film and filmmaking.”
Under the presidential proclamation, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is designated as lead agency for the observance of the Philippine Film Industry Month.
The FDCP, created through Republic Act 9167, is mandated to undertake initiatives that will promote the growth and development of the local film industry, as well as establish, organize, operate and maintain local and international film festivals, exhibitions, and other similar activities.
The proclamation assigns FDCP to identify programs, projects, and activities for the celebration of the Philippine Film Industry Month.
Proclamation 1085 directs all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, to assist the FDCP in implementing programs, campaigns and activities which intend to promote local films in September.
All local government units, as well as the private sector, are encouraged to cooperate with the FDCP in promoting the celebration of the Philippine Film Industry Month.
Malacañang released a copy of Proclamation 1085 on Thursday.
In 2018, Duterte signed Proclamation 622 to commemorate the birth of Philippine cinema by declaring September 12, 2019 to September 11, 2020 as "Centennial Year of Philippine Cinema.”
The centennial year of Philippine Cinema was declared in honor of “Dalagang Bukid” directed by Jose Nepomuceno.
Dalagang Bukid, which premiered on Sept. 12, 1919, is considered the first Filipino-produced and directed feature film. (PNA)
