Camarines Sur Representatives Luigi and Migz Villafuerte are advocating for the institutionalization of the National Film Archive of the Philippines (NFAP) to safeguard and promote Filipino cinematic heritage.
Filed as House Bill 5053, the measure—also authored by Camarines Sur 1st District Rep. Hori Horibata and Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon—would place the NFAP under the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
Film producers and companies would be required to submit copies of their works within three months of release, subject to reasonable fees.
“It is a must for us to ensure the preservation of these artistic creations as they reflect the evolution of Philippine Cinema and the changing socioeconomic landscape of our country,” Luigi said.
He noted that past decades struggled with limited technology for proper archiving.
HB 5053 aims to strengthen the NFAP’s role in archival administration, research, and acquisition of culturally significant films.
Filipino film culture traces back to 1919 with José Nepomuceno’s Dalagang Bukid, and the “Golden Age of Philippine Cinema” from the 1950s to 1970s produced acclaimed filmmakers like Lino Brocka and Lamberto Avellana.
As of 2024, the Philippine Film Archive has preserved 56,000 materials in formats ranging from 35mm to MiniDV, including 47 films by National Artists.