JUNE 1, 2015

NR # 3849B

Centennial Year of National Artist for Film Manuel Conde approved

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a joint resolution
declaring October 9, 2015 to October 9, 2016 as the Centennial Year of National Artist for Film
Manuel Conde.
House Joint Resolution 34, principally authored by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.,
enjoins the celebration of the life and works of Conde who has made invaluable contribution to
the national heritage.
The works and ingenuity of National Artist for Film Manuel Conde brought to light of
consciousness the values, ethics and beliefs of the Filipinos which are reflective of his artistic
excellence and of the national genius that contributed to enrich the Philippine Cinema and the
world, Belmonte said.
Belmonte said the recognition of National Artist as provided under Proclamation No. 1001
issued on April 27, 1972 is a way of expressing the nations gratitude and appreciation for the
contribution of Filipino artists to the development of Philippine society.
The preeminent achievements of local artists that have enhanced the cultural heritage of
the Filipino people deserve the recognition and acknowledgement of our Government pursuant to
its policy of preserving and developing Filipino culture and national identity, Belmonte said.
Under the House joint resolution, October 9, 2015 to October 9, 2016 shall be the Period
of Remembrance of Conde in commemoration of his irreplaceable contribution to national
heritage.
The measure tasks the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to celebrate Condes centennial birthday in coordination
with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other government agencies.
The measure also mandates the NCCA and the CCP, in coordination with DepEd, to
facilitate and promote the commemoration of the Period of Remembrance for National Artist for
Literature N.V.M. Gonzalez in all public and private schools and ensure the effective information
dissemination of the resolution.
Aside from Belmonte, other authors of House Joint Resolution 34, which substituted
House Joint Resolution 24, are Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II (Lone District, Mandaluyong
City) and Reps. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas (6 th District, Pangasinan), chairperson of the House
Committee on Revision of Laws; Kimi Cojuangco (5 th District, Pangasinan), Rosenda Ann
Ocampo (6th District, Manila), Yazmin Monique Lagdameo (1 st District, Makati City), Ibarra
Gutierrez III (Party-list, Akbayan), Arcadio Gorriceta (2nd District, Iloilo), Leo Rafael Cueva (2nd
District, Negros Occidental), Ma. Leonor Gerona Robredo (3 rd District, Camarines Sur) and
Gwendolyn Garcia (3rd District, Cebu). (30) mrs