Neophyte congressman and Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde has filed a bill declaring Quezon City as the “Film and Television Arts Capital of the Philippines.”
Atayde, who is also an actor, said that Quezon City has long been unofficially considered the “Hollywood of the Philippines,” as most film and television production companies have established their headquarters and studios there.
Atayde said that the government “must endeavor to promote Quezon City not only as a tourist destination for film and television viewers here and from around the world, but as source of inspiration for future filmmakers and television producers who will carry on the proud legacy of our industry for generations to come.”
“Nagsisilbing creative hub ang QC lalo na sa film at tv, kaya napapanahon na kilalanin at gawing opisyal. Recognizing the city as the country’s Film and Television Arts Capital would help direct efforts to preserve our film and tv heritage and improve the industry,” said Atayde.
A number of tv stations and film studios have set up shop in Quezon City.
ABS-CBN, GMA Network, NET 25, UNTV, and the official state media, the People’s Television Network are all based in the city, along with film studios such as Star Cinema, GMA Films, OctoArts Films, FPJ Productions, and TBA Studios.
The University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI) which is based in Diliman is widely recognized as a premier film school in the country and internationally. The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, as well, holds its offices in the city.
If House Bill No. 457 is passed, the city’s designation as “Film and Television Arts Capital of the Philippines” would be included in the Department of Tourism’s programs.
The DOT would also be mandated to develop, in cooperation with the Quezon City government and the film and television institutions in Quezon City, tourism events and destinations that would highlight the Philippines’ film and television history and heritage.
Atayde said that the government “must endeavor to promote Quezon City not only as a tourist destination for film and television viewers here and from around the world, but as a source of inspiration for future filmmakers and television producers who will carry on the proud legacy of our industry for generations to come.”
