Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7150

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY CONGRESSMAN ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article XIV Section 14 of the 1987 Philippine Constitutions provides:

“The State shall foster the preservation, enrichment, and
dynamic evolution of a Filipino national culture based on the principle
of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual
expression.”

In his book, The End of National Cinema, University of the Philippines Assistant
Professor Patrick Campos posits that at the turn of the 21* century, the Philippine
cinema has lost its national identity due to globalization. In addition, the Philippine
film industry is yet to fully embrace the cinematic narrative of regional filmmakers as
the country’s filmic output remains to be Manila-centric. Thus, the State must exert all
efforts to level the playing field for all filmmakers, empower regional filmmakers by
providing them the platform to show their creations, and raise awareness and
appreciation of the country’s film heritage.

This bill seeks to further develop the local filming industry by establishing a
cinematheque in every region of the country. The regional cinematheque is designed
to be an alternative and accessible venue for classic and contemporary Filipino films
and relevant foreign films. It also seeks to encourage budding talents as the regional
cinematheque will also serve as a hub for workshops and symposia on all aspects of
filmmaking.

Through this initiative, we are contributing to the enrichment of inclusive film
literacy and appreciation, thereby allowing Filipinos to embrace the diversity of our
culture and revitalize the identity of the Philippine national cinema.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is urged.

LFRED VARGAS


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7150

HOUSE BILL NO.____

INTRODUCED BY CONGRESSMAN ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A CINEMATHEQUE IN EVERY REGION OF THE PHILIPPINES AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Regional
Cinematheque Act.”

SEC. 2, Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a Filipino culture
based on the principle of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual
expression.

Towards this end, the State shall provide for the establishment of a
cinematheque in every region of the country. This cinematheque is designed as an
alternative and accessible venue for classic and contemporary Filipino and
international films, both mainstream and independent, and shall also serve as a venue
for workshops and symposia on directing, scriptwriting, editing, cinematography, and
all other aspects of filmmaking.

SEC. 3. Establishment of a Regional Cinematheque. - There shall be
established, under the supervision of the Film Development Council of the
Philippines, a regional cinematheque in every region of the country.

SEC. 4. Location. - The location of the cinematheque shall be determined by
the Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, in coordination
with the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government and the local government
concerned.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of
this Act shall be charged to the current appropriations for the Film Development
Council of the Philippines. Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for the
continuous operation and maintenance of the cultural centers in every region of the
country shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.


SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the
Philippines shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations as may be
necessary to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved,