Photo credit: Senator Grace Poe

Senator Grace Poe is beaming with pride — and for good reason. The UNESCO-Philippine National Commission, through its Memory of the World Programme, has officially recognized the FPJ Film Archives for its efforts in preserving a vital part of Philippine history and culture. For Poe, this isn’t just an accolade — it’s a celebration of legacy and identity.

“We thank UNESCO-Philippine National Commission… for its recognition of the work of the FPJ Film Archives in the preservation of historical works of art and cultural identity,” Poe said.

The late Fernando Poe Jr., beloved actor and national artist, wasn’t just a screen icon — he was also a pioneer in film preservation and archiving in the Philippines. The FPJ Film Archives, established under his watch, is now hailed as one of the best practices in film archiving not just locally but across Asia.

“These individual collections and works are important strands which make up the colourful tapestry of our collective Filipino heritage,” Poe added. “They help us understand the Filipino identity and the broader humanity.”

And it’s not just FPJ getting the spotlight. Poe extended her congratulations to the other cultural treasures newly inducted into UNESCO’s Memory of the World list, including:

• The Presidential Papers of Manuel Quezon

• The Radio Broadcast of the EDSA People Power Revolution

• The Jose Maceda Collection of musical archives and field notes

• The Philippine Paleographs (Hanunoo, Buhid, Tagbanua, and Pala’wan scripts)

• The Culion Leprosy Museum Archives

• The Doctrina Christiana (1593) — one of the first books ever printed in the country

• The Hinilawod Epic Chant Recordings

• And the iconic film, “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?” by Eddie Romero

Poe also gave a special shoutout to Professor Nick Deocampo, a passionate champion of Philippine cinema and culture, for his invaluable support in pushing this cultural milestone forward.

In a world that moves fast, this moment is a reminder: our stories, art, and memories matter. And thanks to people like FPJ, Senator Poe, and advocates like Prof. Deocampo — those stories continue to live on for generations to come.