ABS-CBN Film Restoration has been recognized as a film industry icon for its efforts in local film preservation and restoration after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the prestigious "Parangal ng Sining" event organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

ABS-CBN Film Restoration head Leo Katigbak thanked the FDCP for the bestowment of the Lifetime Achievement honor, and for actively supporting their cause in not only preserving Filipino film classics but also showcasing these works to the other local regions and abroad.

"We thank them for recognizing our efforts here at ABS-CBN Film Restoration and our Sagip Pelikula initiative. Our efforts may be unsung, but in the future, they will play a significant role for future generations in giving importance to our past and how it will impact our cultural identity for the years to come. We also thank the FDCP for partnering with us and showcasing our works to more audiences," Leo said in his acceptance speech.

Leo then dedicated the award to former ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio for her shared advocacy in preserving Filipino film classics, along with her pivotal role in the establishment of Sagip Pelikula—which began since the inception of the ABS-CBN Film Archives, 30 years ago.

Likewise, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Ricky Lee, commended Sagip Pelikula for restoring his timeless cinematic pieces, from the globally acclaimed classic "Himala" to his modern works, including "Nasaan Ka Man," "Madrasta," "Anak," among others. He then shared how its advocacy helps today's audiences and future generations to understand Filipino culture through the years.

Through its Sagip Pelikula initiative, ABS-CBN Film Restoration continuously aims to archive, preserve, restore, and remaster cinematic works from notable filmmakers and writers, starring the country's acclaimed stars and ranging from different eras of Philippine cinema for today's audiences and the future generations to appreciate, as well as showcasing the wonders of Pinoy cinema and culture to the international stage.

Since its inception in 2011, Sagip Pelikula has restored over 200 titles, including the digitally restored and remastered versions of Pinoy cinematic masterpieces "Himala," "Oro, Plata, Mata," "Ganito Kami Noon…Paano Kayo Ngayon?," "Kakabakaba Ka Ba?," and "Dekada '70," among many others, and the scanning and enhancement of several LVN classic films such as "Giliw Ko," "Ibong Adarna," and "Biyaya Ng Lupa."

Sagip Pelikula head Leo Katigbak and former ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio received the award on behalf of ABS-CBN Film Restoration, as presented by FDCP's newly minted chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes alongside National Artist Ricky Lee.

Now on its second installment, FDCP's "Parangal ng Sining" aims to honor notable figures in the local entertainment scene for their meaningful contributions to Philippine cinema.

To know more details on its upcoming film showings, follow ABS-CBN Film Restoration on Facebook (facebook.com/filmrestorationabscbn), Twitter (@ABS_Restoration), and Instagram (@abscbnfilmrestoration).