FESTIVAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FDAP)

Selected applicants may receive assistance for eligible festival-related expenses, including but not limited to:

• Financial Assistance: The FDCP can provide financial assistance ranging from up to PHP 150,000.00, in the form of reimbursement, to qualified regional film festivals applying for the program.
• Cinematheques: Provide four (4) operating Cinematheques as venues for the festival/event, which are located in the following regions: Manila, Iloilo, Negros, and Davao;
• JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel: JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel is a streaming platform that aims to offer quality content for local and international film enthusiasts, learners, and filmmakers by curating homegrown and world cinema that inspires, enriches, and challenges perspectives.
• FDCP Film Talks: The FDCP encourages film-related events to have an educational component, such as film workshops, film talks, and fora attached to their activities. Thus, the FDCP offers this audience-development activity through our FDCP Film Talks program
• Film Review & Classification: The Film Review and Classification Unit under FDCP, in partnership with MTRCB, will facilitate the review and classification of films under the Sineng Pambansa Program. The FDCP also issues rating and classification permits free of charge for films under its programs and events.
• Publicity Promotion: The FDCP can provide promotional support for the festival through social media postings.
   

To qualify for the program’s support and assistance, one must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

1. The Film Festival must be held in its own locality and endorsed by the LGU.
2. The Film Festival must be registered under the FDCP National Registry for Events and Festivals (NREF). For more information, visit https://nationalregistry.fdcp.ph/.
3. The proponent must have a clear record with the FDCP and must not have any existing clearance issues from other support and assistance programs. 
    

Interested applicants must submit the following:

1. Letter of Proposal: Must be addressed to the FDCP Chairman & CEO
2. Application Form (FDAP Form No. 1)
3. Festival Information Sheet (FDAP Form No. 1):
   - Festival background and objectives;
   - Proposed dates, venue(s), and format;
   - Program of activities;
   - Target audience and outreach plan;
   - Sustainability and development plan
4. Detailed line-item budget and funding plan: Detailed breakdown of proposed expenses for the festival.
5. Endorsement Letter: From the LGU and/or any film-related agency.
6. FDCP Certificate of National Registry for Events & Festivals (NREF): For applicants not registered in the FDCP National Registry, kindly apply at https://nationalregistry.fdcp.ph/nref/register

We can accept applications with a pending status in the National Registry. Kindly attach a copy of the email confirming that your NR application is currently being processed.
 

Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

• Relevance and alignment with program objectives;
• Feasibility and clarity of the proposed plan;
• Artistic and cultural merit;
• Audience reach and development strategy;
• Organizational capacity and track record;
• Budget appropriateness and sustainability.
   

The program follows a structured application process with two distinct cycles each year, providing flexibility for organizations to submit proposals based on their project timelines.

Cycle 1: February 1 to March 2
This cycle is open for applications from February 1 to March 2 and is specifically designed for festivals scheduled to take place between May and September of the same year.

Cycle 2: June 1–30
The second cycle is open for applications from June 1 to June 30. This cycle supports festivals that are scheduled to begin between October and May of the following year.

These cycles allow applicants to align their project timelines with funding availability, ensuring a smooth transition from proposal submission to festival implementation.

Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.

Applicants may submit their complete requirements via:

• Email: lapfestivals@fdcp.gov.ph and romancarreon@fdcp.gov.ph

All files must be clearly subject-labeled as “FDAP Application_Region_Festival” (ex. FDAP Application_Negros Island Region_Margaha Film Festival) and submitted in PDF format.

• The process may take 7-14 working days from the time of submission of COMPLETE requirements.
• Approved applicants shall enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) prior to fund release.
• Funds shall be released subject to compliance with documentary and reporting requirements.
• Grantees must properly acknowledge program support in all festival materials.
• Failure to comply with program guidelines may result in disqualification or termination of support.

Note: All qualified applicants must be notified by the Project Development Officer through email.

To further understand the complete terms, eligibility rules, entitlements and responsibilities of applicants and approved grantees, please refer to the attached FDAP Guidelines.

For Inquiries:
For questions or clarifications, please contact: FESTIVAL DIVISION:  lapfestivals@fdcp.gov.ph