The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) mourns the demise of former Philippine President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Cojuangco Aquino III, who passed away on June 24, 2021, at the age of 61.

As a staunch supporter of film archiving and preserving audiovisual heritage, he was one with the FDCP and the duty of the State to preserve the country’s artistic and historic wealth as part of the cultural treasure of our nation.

Through Administrative Order No. 26, he required Government Entities to turn over to the FDCP, which is mandated to take charge of the preservation, restoration, maintenance, and safekeeping of all Filipino films and other audio-visuals produced in the Philippines or abroad, existing original or copies of films and other audio-visual negatives, prints, or digital files, including, but not limited to, moving films, documentaries, and animation, for the FDCP's care, preservation, or reconstruction. He also required the private sector to deposit a copy or duplicate copy of films for archiving and preservation purposes. 

In 2012, then President Aquino received the restored version of the elusive copy of "Genghis Khan" by National Artist for Film Manuel Conde, which has been restored in Italy. The then elusive copy of Conde's masterpiece is now recognized as the "Holy Grail" of Filipino film archiving.

"We would like to thank former President Benigno Aquino III for his service to the country and for his immense contributions, especially for espousing the usually neglected field of film archiving. Through his leadership, Filipino film archiving received much support, which, in turn, has contributed greatly to the preservation and promotion of our artistic and cultural heritage," said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño. 

The FDCP sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of former President Benigno Aquino III.