The House Committee on Creative Industries has approved the consolidation of two measures aimed at protecting and preserving classic Filipino films, paving the way for stronger archival and restoration efforts in the country.
House Bills Nos. 5053 and 8298 seek to modernize how Philippine cinematic works are stored, restored, and made accessible to the public, reflecting the rapid changes in the film and media landscape.
Committee Chairperson and Negros Occidental Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez said the reforms are necessary, noting that the film industry has evolved significantly since the enactment of the “Film Development Council of the Philippines Act of 2002.”
He also pointed to the rise of streaming platforms as a key development that should be maximized to support local cinema.
National Film Archive proposed for long-term safeguarding
Under House Bill No. 5053, the creation of a National Film Archive of the Philippines is being pushed to ensure the systematic preservation of the country’s film heritage.
The proposed archive will be responsible for implementing programs that manage, store, and safeguard cinematographic works, including the acquisition of both digital masters and physical film prints deemed valuable for long-term preservation.
It also promotes archival research to help ensure Filipino films are properly documented and preserved in an organized and sustainable manner.
Restoration program to revive and share classic films
House Bill No. 8298, on the other hand, seeks to institutionalize a Film Restoration Program that will restore classic Filipino films and improve public access to them.
Restored works may be shown in museums, digital platforms, and other venues, while still respecting existing copyright protections.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe backed the proposal, citing the difficulty and cost of restoring and maintaining old film materials.
He said the initiative would help ensure that important Filipino films are preserved in their original form and passed on to future generations.
