Undersecretary Mary Liza Diño has been reappointed for another three-year term as the Chairperson and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
FDCP Chairperson and CEO Diño took her oath before Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez in a virtual ceremony this Wednesday. Also present in the oath-taking ceremony were representatives from DTI and the FDCP employees.
Diño has served the national film agency after being appointed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in 2016. Her three-year term was extended to 2021 and now, with the reappointment of her position, her term as Chairperson and CEO of the FDCP will be extended until 2025.
DTI Secretary Lopez congratulated Undersecretary Diño saying, “I’m impressed with all the kind of work you’re doing and I wish you all the best. I know, under your leadership, mas gaganda pa ang ating film industry. Palakasin pa natin.”
Diño, on her social media account, shared her thoughts on finding purpose as a public servant.
“In all my years and across several careers that I’ve had, I never thought I would find my purpose in public service. Taking on the FDCP role was my first venture into the government, and even early on, I realized that government service is not for everyone. Having been an actress with artistic pursuits, it definitely took some getting used to providing support to films rather than being in them. Now, five years into it and having focused on what the job can really provide, somehow, I have found so much more joy and fulfillment in knowing that what we do has made an impact and difference in the journeys of filmmakers. Suffice it to say; I have come to love my job and everything that came with it,” she wrote.
:My first term was about bridging FDCP’s role into the industry that we aim to serve – building connections, creating support mechanisms, and establishing a structure within the agency that allows us to perform to the best of the Agency’s mandate. Because there were glaring issues – from policy to structure to lack of support – we had to tackle all of these head on. The road to this was paved with resistance, skepticism, and yes, more resistance, especially during the pandemic. But we kept going and became agile and learned to take everything in stride.”
She is determined to continue helping the entertainment industry, especially on its quest to penetrate the global market, as well as to enjoin Filipinos to love our films.
“To be at the forefront of these goals will be as challenging as they come, but I know that we are ready, and I have no intention of giving up,” she also said.
Since 2016, Diño has been pushing for programs and policies that would alleviate the working conditions of the local film industry workers and further develop and strengthen the industry. Some of her notable efforts during her term include the DoLE-FDCP JMC or the guidelines on working conditions for film and audiovisual film workers, Film Workers Summit, Film Industry Conference, Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Philippine Film Industry Month, Full Circle Lab Philippines, talent and production development programs, and co-production incentives.
