Actor-writer-director Kidlat Tahimik has revealed he was tested positive for COVID-19 after he attended the Ibagiw festival in Baguio City.

In an article published in Baguio Chronicle, the Father of Philippine Independent Cinema, also encouraged people he socialized with during the festival to have themselves tested.

Kidlat said that he is on "self-imposed quarantine" these days.

"I am visited daily by a throng of medics. These PPE-dressed health officials come in an ambulance to monitor my temperature, my oxygen count, my difficulty of breathing, my BP," he said.

Kidlat said that since his swab test on Dec. 11, the people whom he had intensive contact with, like his sons, the carpenters he worked with, artists he chatted with, etc., have all taken swab tests.

"So far, all have been diagnosed negative. If you have not had any signs of fever or loss of appetite or fatigue, you need not worry. Please stay safe," he said.

Kidlat, one of the most prominent names in the Filipino film industry, has garnered various accolades locally and internationally, including a Plaridel honorarium for independent cinema.

The film director, writer, and actor whose films are commonly associated with the Third Cinema movement through their critiques of neocolonialism.

For his contributions to the development of Philippine independent cinema, he was recognized in 2018 as a National Artist of the Philippines for Film - conferment which represents the Philippine state's highest recognition for artists.

Kidlat's full statement: