Filmmakers and actors expressed gratitude to the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for walking the talk on supporting the film industry.

During the Konsyerto sa Palasyo: ‘Para sa Pelikulang Pilipino’ on Sunday evening in Malacañang, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairperson and CEO Jose Javier Reyes said the film industry appreciates the efforts of Marcos and First Lady Louise Marcos in spearheading the fifth installment of Konsyerto sa Palasyo to invaluable contribution of the industry to the nation’s arts, culture and economy.

“It proved, once and for all, that this is one administration that does not just really give lip service. It’s not merely a set of promises, it’s not merely reaching out to the Philippine film industry when there is something needed from the people of the industry,” Reyes said, referring to the Konsyerto sa Palasyo.

“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,” he added.

Reyes also expressed his gratitude to the First Couple, especially in fulfilling their promise of helping the Philippine Cinema.

“Ang na-appreciate namin ay, hindi lang kayo nangangakong tumulong — tumutulong po kayo, at ang bagay na ‘yan ay nakakapanibago at hindi niyo alam kung papaano niyo na bo-boost ang morale ng mga kasamahan namin sa industriya (You didn’t just promise to help, but actually helping us and that boosts the moral of our colleagues in the industry),” he said.

Actress Lorna Tolentino, among the biggest entertainment stars who gathered at the Palace for the concert, echoed Reyes’ sentiments, saying government support such as the concert is significant for the film industry.

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 is important for the movie industry to be revived because for the longest time, there have been no support for the Filipino film industry. I hope this is the start, especially the Metro Manila Film Fest. I think that’s where it started, the eagerness of the viewers to watch Filipino movies again),” Tolentino said.

Actress Gladys Reyes underscored that the government assistance is a tremendous boost to their industry.

Reyes said the concert demonstrated the strong commitment of the Marcos administration to the film industry. (PNA)