The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) have formalized a partnership aimed at strengthening the cultural identity of Filipinos living overseas through the use of film and storytelling.
The two agencies signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday at the Philippine Film Heritage Building in Intramuros, Manila, marking a collaborative effort to deepen the connection of overseas Filipinos and their descendants to Philippine history, culture, and national identity.
Leading the signing ceremony were CFO Secretary Dante Ang II and FDCP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jose Javier Reyes. The event was witnessed by CFO Undersecretary Ma. Arlene Borja and FDCP Executive Director Rachelle Villaluna.
According to the agencies, the partnership seeks to harness the power of cinema as a strategic tool for diaspora engagement, enabling Filipinos abroad to remain connected to their roots through stories that reflect the country’s heritage, traditions, and migration experiences.
Under the agreement, the CFO and FDCP will jointly implement film screenings, educational programs, and cultural initiatives focused on migration narratives, Filipino history, and the experiences of overseas Filipinos around the world.
Officials said the collaboration recognizes the important role that films and storytelling play in preserving cultural memory and fostering a stronger sense of identity among Filipinos living outside the country, particularly younger generations born and raised abroad.
The initiative is expected to provide overseas Filipino communities with greater access to Philippine films and cultural content while promoting a deeper appreciation of the country’s rich history and diverse heritage.
Through the partnership, both agencies aim to strengthen cultural ties between the Philippines and its global diaspora, using cinema as a platform to celebrate Filipino stories and reinforce a shared sense of national identity across borders.