Amid the surprise resignation of Tirso Cruz III, who served as chair of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for less than two years, the agency assures that it is “business as usual.”
The FDCP Board of Trustees has appointed Rica Arevalo, the education head, to be the officer-in-charge (OIC) until a new chairman and CEO are appointed by President Bongbong Marcos to replace Cruz.
The resignation was confirmed by FDCP technical consultant and filmmaker Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes, who stated that the successor will be decided upon by the Palace.
In his resignation announcement to the FDCP team during a general assembly last March 11, Cruz cited personal reasons for his departure. The agency expressed support for his decision to focus on his craft as an actor.
Despite Cruz’s resignation, the FDCP will continue its activities and existing programs in support of the Philippine film industry. Projects for the first quarter of 2024, including the Full Circle Lab Philippines and Cine Filipina, will push through as planned.
The agency also plans to honor outstanding contributions to Filipino actors, filmmakers, and institutions through the annual Parangal ng Sining event on April 19. Additionally, initiatives like the Student Film Assistance Program and workshops for aspiring filmmakers will continue.
Funding constraints have led the FDCP to limit its participation in international film festivals and markets, with a significant budget cut of close to 30 percent for the year. Despite these challenges, the agency remains committed to supporting the growth and development of the local film industry.
