The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will once again honor various individuals who have made a massive contribution to Filipino Cinema at its annual Parangal Ng Sining.

To be held April 11 at 5:00 PM at Seda Vertis North, this year's Lifetime Achievement Awardees include Joseph Estrada, Charo Santos-Concio, Laurice Guillen, and Lav Diaz.

The FDCP is also to recognize personalities who have pushed the limits to create the new generation of Filipino Cinema.

The first of these is Judy Ann Santos who just won the Best Actress award at the 2025 Fantasporto for her performance in the film "Espantaho." 

Antoinette Jadaone will also receive an award for clinching the Crystal Bear at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival for her film "Sunshine."

Also t be awarded is Carl Joseph Papa for his exceptional work on the film ''Iti Mapupukaw."

FDCP director Joey Reyes made clear their decision to award the trio, saying,  "We only acknowledge those who won in major festivals."

As per their Lifetime Achievement Awardees, Reyes said, "May mga nagtatanong, 'What about the others, yung mga National Artist?'

(Some people ask, 'What about the others, the National Artists?)

"Bakit naman kami magbibigay ng award to somebody who has already received the highest award in the country?

(Why would we give an award to someone who has already received the highest award in the country?)

"It is not to put aside the achievements of the National Artists, but they’re already National Artists. Nobody can get a higher award than being a National Artist," he further explained.

Asked about the future of Cinemalaya, he said, "May mga pagkakaiba lang na magaganap pero tuloy yan! At bilang sa FDCP, ito, I’m answering personally, hindi namin hahayaang mamatay ang Cinemalaya, OK?"

(There will be some differences but it'll happen. As for the FDCP, this, I'm answering personally, we will not let Cinemalaya die, OK?)

"Kasi from Cinemalaya came Dan Villegas, Antoinette Jadaone, you know, all the important new directors. You cannot let it die," he continued.

(Because from Cinemalaya came Dan Villegas, Antoinette Jadaone, you know, all the important new directors. You cannot let it die)

Reyes has a pwersonal attachment to Cinemalaya.

He intoned, “My heart is with Cinemalaya. I started with the Selection Committee ng short films of students and all the way up to becoming the head of the Monitoring and Competition Committee.

(My heart is with Cinemalaya. I started with the Selection Committee of short films of students and all the way up to  becoming the head of the Monitoring and Competition Committee.)

"It is one of the most painful things I had to give up when I became chairman of FDCP."

He later revealed that Cinemalaya will be held in October instead of August as requested by filmmakers.

"Imposible nilang matapos ng August (ang ilang entries). May dalawa na alam ko na tapos na. Na-late yung release ng tranches, e. So, nahirapan sila. So, tama lang na October," he said.

(It's impossible for them to finish some of the entries by August. There are two that I know are already done. The release of the tranches was late. So, they had a hard time. So, October is just right.)