It is with gratitude that I share with you that last Monday, I received my reappointment for another term as Chairperson and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. An FDCP Chairperson is eligible for two consecutive terms and I am humbled to have been entrusted another term to continue the programs and projects that Team FDCP began, and to remain on the overall direction we have taken since my first appointment.

As I took my oath before Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez in a virtual ceremony last Wednesday, I am also giving my full commitment to another three years of putting the interest of our film industry, especially our film workers, at the forefront of my priorities until 2025.

Also present in the oath-taking ceremony were FDCP employees — our Team FDCP, for whom I also share this milestone.

Since my first term, FDCP has been pushing for programs and policies that would alleviate the working conditions of the local film industry workers and further develop and strengthen the industry. Some of the Agency's initiatives include the DoLE-FDCP JMC (or the guidelines on working conditions for film and audiovisual film workers), Film Workers Summit, Film Industry Conference, Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Philippine Film Industry Month, Full Circle Lab Philippines, talent and production development programs, and co-production incentives.

It is an honor to be given the opportunity of being a part of making things better for people, particularly for people from the film sector. Not everybody gets this chance to have a platform to make a difference in the lives of many, especially those in this industry that I love. Still, I believe that great things come from the consistency of bringing to fruition the good intentions, and transforming these good will into concrete, practical actions.

Kickstarting the next three years

What better way to kickstart my next three years, than meeting with filmmakers, producers, and film programmers that same day after my oath-taking to discuss plans to help the film industry recover from the setbacks brought by the pandemic.

Even now that the surge in Covid cases is on a downward trend, we are still in the middle of a global health crisis and in the midst of an admittedly slow recovery.

As such, it is especially important to collaborate and have conversations with our stakeholders to gather support and insights on how we can work together.

With the FDCP's vision of developing a globally competitive film industry that contributes to the economic development of the country while championing our culture and heritage, the transfer of FDCP's oversight to the Department of Trade Industry, in the light of our current concerns, was also a strategic and welcome change. This would mean that we will have the guidance and expertise of DTI in pushing for a more sustainable film industry which has a role in driving the economy. Recognizing the dual nature of the filmmaking as both cultural production and business enterprise, this move will further align our projects and plans to the goal of re-energizing the film industry.

Future directions

This is definitely a time of transition for everyone. The future will depend on the direction we will take from here, where we will pivot, what we will prioritize, and what we will address. For example, the swiftly changing market of film distribution has sprung new concerns in intellectual property in emerging business models, among others.

I thank the filmmakers and producers who joined the Film Industry Recovery Plan meeting as it was the first step in that most important goal of drawing up future plans. It is imperative that we put our heads together. A rising tide lifts all boats after all.

To open new opportunities for Filipino filmmakers and to promote and position Philippine cinema to be globally competitive, the Agency represents the Philippine Cinema leads the country's participation in domestic and foreign film markets and film festivals.

It is the goal of the FDCP to help filmmakers in the production of export-quality film and content for the global market and to foster more international co-production in and with the Philippines. Our country's 7641 islands is home to stunning sceneries, and along with the solid film incentives programs we offer, we are closer to our dream of making the Philippines a go-to film destination and film production hub in the region.

As we work on our possibilities outside, our local stakeholders remain the heart of the FDCP programs. The enactment of enabling laws and sector-specific film policies for the film industry, embracing of digitalization and technological innovation, film education and training to upskill and reskill our industry professionals can create a sustainable ecosystem for our Filipino film workers.

Gratitude and thanksgiving

We have a long way to go to enjoy the success of South Korea, which serves as the gold standard for a thriving and successful industry. But in looking to them on best practices of long-term planning and strategizing, development, and government support, I believe that we are on the right track.

The possibilities for our film industry makes my heart soar and makes me dream lofty. The trust you have placed in me inspires me to persevere and remain grounded to the realities of our Philippine context, and I am so glad to still be in this journey with everyone.

Thank you to the emerging filmmakers and film workers, especially to the regional cinemas, for opening their hearts and hearths to me and the team. To see some of our filmmakers in the regions growing and taking the opportunity to join labs is heartwarming. It is an enormous honor to be a part of their growth.

Thank you to the film industry stalwarts and experts who have shared their time and talent in making our industry better.

I thank everyone who has sent their well wishes. I am thankful for the experiences and learnings of the past six years.

The past years have been full of challenges and wins. I have learned to listen and be open not just to accolades but also to criticisms. Although it takes a lot of work, and a lot of myself, nothing compares to the fulfillment of seeing our filmmakers succeed and get recognition all over the world.

Along with my gratitude and thanks, I give you my full commitment. Together, let us create the Philippine film industry of our dreams — one film, one project, one film worker at a time. Cheers to the next three years!

Notes from the Chair
The Sunday Times Magazine  - The Manila Times

Notes from the Chair is part of the Arts Awake section of The Sunday Times Magazine published by The Manila Times. Click HERE to view the article on The Manila Times website.