Aquino orders preservation of PHL films, audiovisual presentations

President Benigno Aquino III has directed all government agencies to turn over their original and copies of films and other audiovisual presentations to the National Film Archive of the Philippines (NFAP). The directive is part of government’s efforts to preserve the country’s artistic and cultural wealth, according to a Malacañang statement. In Administrative Order 26 signed last April 17, Aquino sought to protect and preserve films and audiovisual presentations in the possession of various government agencies because “these form part of the cultural treasure of the nation.” Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. added that AO 26 also streamlines the depository of these materials by giving to the NFAP the task of caring, preserving and reconstructing films and audiovisual productions instead of maintaining several film archives. “It is the job of the State to preserve [our] artistic and cultural wealth. It is also [its] job to encourage the advancement of the local film industry... to enrich our artistic, cultural and social values... [for] better understanding and appreciation of our identity as Filipinos,” he said. Ochoa said the AO allows the Aquino administration to enhance efficiency in the protection, restoration, and maintenance of Filipino films and other audiovisual materials produced in the country or abroad. It also helps 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 audiovisual presentations to the NFAP. The Film and Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), which established the NFAP, may request similar materials from the Legislative and Judicial Branches, including their attached agencies and offices. The FDCP has authority to request – if deemed necessary – film producers, film makers, owners of newly-produced films and audiovisual materials to deposit a copy of their productions with the NFAP within one month after these were shown. Meanwhile, Aquino also tasked 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. FDCP's functions include the establishment of the film archive to conserve and protect film negatives and/or prints as part of the nation’s historical, cultural, and artistic heritage. — LBG, GMA News