Movie personalities expressed hopes that the "concerted effort" of the Marcos administration in helping the film industry would continue.
Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Jose Javier Reyes said the film industry greatly appreciates the efforts of the President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in spearheading the fifth installment of Konsyerto sa Palasyo dedicated for the Philippine film industry.
“Here, we see a deliberate and concentrated, and concerted effort of the administration to really help the film industry, which is in dire need of the support of the government,” Reyes said, referring to the Konsyerto sa Palasyo on Sunday evening, Dec. 15.
Actress Lorna Tolentino echoed Reyes’ sentiments, saying government support such as the concert is significant for the film industry, especially at a time when the Philippine film scene is experiencing a resurgence.
She hoped the program would continue.
“Mahalaga para industriya ng pelikula na mabuhay ulit kasi nga matagal nang walang masyadong tumatangkilik sa pelikulang Pilipino. Sana ito yung start ulit lalong-lalo na sa Metro Manila Film Fest. I think dun nagsimula muli yung pagiging masigasig ulit ng mga manonood ng mga pelikula (It's important for the industry to be alive again because it's been a while since Filipino films are not gaining attention. I hope this would be the start of it's resurgence, especially the Metro Manila Film Fest. I think it's where the interest of viewers to watch Filipino films restarted),” Tolentino said.
Actress Gladys Reyes also underscored the government assistance is a boost to their industry, adding that the concert demonstrated the strong commitment of the administration to the film industry.
“Napakalaking bagay po na alam naming may suporta mula sa gobyerno, lalo na po sa ating Pangulo. Sana po talaga tuloy-tuloy na ito … doble po yung kaligayahan na malaman namin na mayroong ganitong event sa Palasyo sa pangunguna nga po ng ating Pangulo (It's a huge thing knowing that there is a support from the government, especially from the President. I hope this would continue. Our happiness doubles that there is an event like this in the Palace),” Reyes said.
Actor Enrique Gil also joined his fellow artists in thanking the Marcos administration for hosting the concert.
The 'Konsyerto sa Palasyo: ‘Para sa Pelikulang Pilipino’ coincides with the 50th edition of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), showcasing 10 films running from Dec. 25, 2024 to Jan. 7, 2025.
It also recognized the invaluable contribution of the film industry to the nation’s arts and culture.