President Marcos Jr. yesterday urged the members of the entertainment industry to raise the standards of local films, adding that apart from showcasing the Filipino culture it also provides a platform to highlight the positive changes and progress that the Philippines has achieved.
The President, during the oath taking of the officers and board members of the Katipunan ng mga Artistang Pilipino sa Pelikula at Telebisyon (KAPPT) held in Malacañang yesterday, had reaffirmed his commitment to promote the welfare of the members of the creative industry which include the members of the entertainment sector.
Marcos said apart from being one of the sectors that was hit by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, following the lockdowns and work stoppage that was implemented during the height of pandemic, there is also a need to develop a vibrant Philippine creative industry to create more market opportunities, protect creative workers’ rights, promote employment, nurture human resources and ensure access to capital incentives, among others.
He said Filipinos are “as good, if not better than many” people in the industry and not just in the Philippines but worldwide.
“If everyone, all our talents, mga singer, mga artista, mga direktor, lahat ‘yan, kahit na ‘yung mga technical, ‘yung mga lighting, lahat ‘yan sound, kung dinala mo sa LA ‘yan, sikat lahat ‘yan, mga milyonaryo lahat ‘yan. Kaya’t it’s time already that we bring that culture of the Philippines. And finally, it is the way that we define ourselves, the work that you do is what defines us as Filipinos. Kaya’t nakapakahalaga na suportahan ang creative industry (“If everyone, all our talents, the singers, actors, directors, all of them. Even the technical, the lighting, the sound, if you bring them to LA, they will all be popular and be millionaires. So it’s time already that we bring that culture of the Philippines. And finally, it is the way that we define ourselves, the work that you do is what defines us as Filipinos. That is why we should support the creative industry),” he said.
“So, I hope that, as you secure the well-being of your colleagues, you will continue to strive to raise the standards of our films and our shows at the same time,” he added.
The President also acknowledged the effectiveness of movies and television as a platform for meaningful dialogue and positive change.
“It is also my wish that you make use and maximize the advantages brought about by new tools, new technologies, and new platforms to showcase Filipino excellence and artistry on the world stage. Through the effective combination of these technological developments and your craft, you have greater opportunities to share our traditions and values farther than ever, even as you continue to mold, to influence, and to shape the society that we live in,” Marcos said.
Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., on January 5, 1981, issued Executive Order (EO) No. 640-A which prescribed the guidelines to promote and enhance the preservation, growth and development of the motion picture, art and science in the Philippines.
It is also through EO 640-A that the Film Academy of the Philippines was established to give due recognition and other forms of reward for the significant efforts and accomplishments of the industry, and the establishment of representative guilds in the various creative and technical sectors to further professionalize the motion picture industry.
