Tirso Cruz III. Image: Facebook/Film Development Council of the Philippines
Despite his resignation as the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman, Tirso Cruz III vowed his continuous support for the film industry as an actor and a private citizen.
“I am immensely grateful to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., for entrusting me the position of FDCP Chairperson since 2022 and allowing me the chance to serve and give back to the industry,” Cruz said in a statement released on the agency’s Facebook page on Thursday, March 14.
“During the last nineteen months, we managed to increase the financial support to our various stakeholders—from producers, directors, film workers, and students, to the film labs, workshops, and film festival assistance,” he added.
Cruz noted that during his stint, the agency also continued its partnerships with sectors that “bring Philippine cinema to the world and the local audience back to the cinemas.”
He then credited those who make the FDCP an efficient agency, including the members of the council, employees, consultants as well as First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.
“This is not the end. I may no longer be the Chairperson, but I will always be a part of the FDCP,” he stated. “I will continue to support the Philippine Film Industry as an actor and as a private citizen.”
“Mabuhay ang Pelikulang Pilipino!” he concluded.
Cruz resigned from his post due to “personal reasons.” His resignation is reportedly effective as of March 1, 2024.
FDCP division manager Rica Arevalo was appointed by the board of trustees as the officer-in-charge while the President has yet to appoint the agency’s new chairman.