For his efforts in “developing and promoting Philippine cultural identity through cinema,” Briccio Santos, chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), was named a member of the French Légion d’Honneur.
Santos was keen to accept the prize saying that it is “recognition, not only for me, but also for our country, in our continuing struggle to bring culture to the forefront of national consciousness.”
He added that only honour “strengthens my resolve to continue with the FDCP mission to help in the cultural empowerment of the country.”
Santos was appointed FDCP chairman in 2010 by President Benigno S. Aquino and has been credited with reinvigorating the body.
Among Santos’ achievement is founding the National Film Archive of the Philippines in 2011.
It was also during his term that the FDCP was able to launch the country’s first International Film Expo (IFX). This was quickly followed by the first Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival, featuring 10 films funded by the FDCP and directed veteran Philippine filmmakers.
