PNoy orders
preservation of all Philippine films, audio-visuals
Press Release
April
21, 2012
MALACAÑANG –
President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed all government agencies
to turn over their existing original and copies of films and other
audio-visuals to the National Film Archive of the Philippines (NFAP)
as part of government’s efforts to preserve the country’s artistic and
historic wealth.
Executive Secretary
Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Saturday that the President signed
Administrative Order (AO) No. 26 on
April 17, 2012 with the aim of protecting and preserving films and
audio-visuals in the possession of various government agencies because
“these form part of the cultural treasure of the nation.”
According to Ochoa, AO
26 also streamlines the depository of these materials by giving to the
NFAP the task of caring, preserving and reconstructing of films and
audio-visuals instead of maintaining several film archives.
“It is the job of the
State to preserve the country’s artistic and historic wealth because
this forms part of the cultural treasure of our nation. It is also
the job of the State to encourage the advancement of the local film
industry because it is an effective tool to enrich our artistic,
cultural and social values or facilitate the better understanding and
appreciation of our identity as Filipinos,” Ochoa said.
Through this
administrative order, Ochoa explained, the Aquino administration will
be able to enhance efficiency in the protection, restoration,
maintenance and custody of Filipino films and other audio-visual
negatives, prints, or digital files whether moving films,
documentaries and animation, etc. produced here in the country or
abroad, and do away with the duplication of functions.
Under AO 26, which
takes effect immediately, all departments, agencies and offices of the
Executive Branch, including government corporations, are required to
turn over their existing original or copies of films and other
audio-visuals to the NFAP.
The presidential
directive authorizes the Film and Development Council of the
Philippines (FDCP), which established the NFAP, to request similar
materials from the Legislative and Judicial Branches, including their
attached agencies and offices.
If deemed necessary to
complete the inventory, the FDCP has also been authorized to request
private parties like film producers, film makers, directors, legal
owners or possessor of newly-produced films and other audio-visuals to
deposit a copy or duplicate copy of their films and audio-visuals with
the NFAP within one month after its showing anywhere in the country or
abroad.
The President likewise
tasks the NFAP to keep a record of all the materials it receives and
to publish this record at the end of each year.
Republic Act No. 9167 created FDCP under the Office of the
President. Among FDCP’s powers and functions is the establishment of
the film archive in order to conserve and protect film negatives
and/or prints as part of the nation’s historical, cultural, and
artistic heritage.