Leo Martinez Undertakes Positive Measures for FAP

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Since the appointment of comedian-actor-director Leo Martinez as director general of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) on Aug. 20, 2003 for a term of two years (renewable for a second term) by the chairman and president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Nestor O. Jardin, Leo has undertaken innovative and positive streamlining of the FAP.

Significant is the transfer of all guilds under FAP into one building at the ground level of the OctoArts Bldg. at Panay Ave., Quezon City. Before Leos term, all the guilds were scattered elsewhere.

"Now we can easily communicate with each other," Leo said. "We are really together now, as one industry!"

The Film Academy of the Philippines was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 640-A signed and issued by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos on Jan. 5, 1981.

Section 2 of EO 640-A provides that "a Filipino Motion Picture Development Board is hereby created as an arm of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The Board shall perform the following powers and duties of activities:

1. To establish, operate and maintain an institution to be known as the Film Academy of the Philippines to be headed by a Director-General. The basic function of the Academy shall be to give due recognition, awards distinction, appreciation and other forms of reward for significant efforts and accomplishments... …