The first-ever Philippine Film Industry Month has just kicked off, and it is overwhelming to have already received much support in our first week. We have more events and programs throughout the month, and I am excited to share with you what the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has lined up for the rest of Philippine Film Industry Month.

In just a few days, the Philippines will officially celebrate and commemorate the heritage, significance, and legacy of Philippine Cinema through the 1st Philippine Film Industry Month in September, an annual month-long observation mandated by President Rodrigo Duterte through Presidential Proclamation No. 1085 signed on February 3, 2021.

My dear Philippine Cinema, it has been five years since I took that oath to be of service to this country through championing our cinema. And what a journey it has been so far.

LOCARNO, SWITZERLAND: Amid the pandemic that continues to rage throughout the world, we are still inflamed by the passion for cinema. Likewise, the return of Filipinos to this year's 74th Locarno Film Festival shows the resurgence of the global spirit among our 27 on-site and online delegates.

LOCARNO, SWITZERLAND: To be a Spotlight Country in one of the oldest and most prestigious international film festivals like Locarno in Switzerland is an opportune privilege. The Philippines is blessed to have been among the focus countries of this festival's Open Doors program since 2019.

In line with President Rodrigo Duterte's State of the Nation Address last Monday, here is the continuation of the Top 20 achievements by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) from July 2020 to July 2021, with efforts to enhance the global competitiveness of Philippine Cinema.

It's that time of the year for the State of the Nation Address (SONA). As President Rodrigo Duterte highlights this administration's accomplishments in tomorrow's SONA, it felt like an opportune time for a government agency like the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to align its milestones with the government's agenda to promote the growth of creative industries.

CANNES, FRANCE: The 74th Cannes Film Festival has just wrapped up, and it's admirable how the world's largest international film festival resumed operations while ensuring everyone's safety amid the pandemic.

CANNES, FRANCE: As one of the world's top three most important film festivals and film markets, the global industry has always looked to Cannes for the trends and future of festivals and the market for films. Indeed, "Cannes is Cannes" as every year, it sets the tone, direction and vision for the world's players.

The Philippines has never been short of film artistry, but more can be done to broaden the diversity of our stories. There's always a center of filming and arts in a country such as Hollywood in the United States, Mumbai in India, and in our case, Metro Manila. But we can't deny that there are also rich and promising narratives in the fringes.