Senator Poe Calls for Recognition of National Artist Eddie Romero in Senate Resolution

MANILA — Senator Grace Poe has put forth a resolution in the Senate honoring the late National Artist for Film and Broadcast, Eddie Romero, on his 100th birth anniversary, urging young Filipinos to delve into his classic films to gain a deeper appreciation of Philippine cinema and its societal impacts.

According to Philippines News Agency, the resolution is aimed at celebrating Romero’s lasting legacy in the Philippine film industry, highlighting his unique contributions that continue to influence audiences across generations. “It is but proper to give honor to Director Eddie Romero’s remarkable life and to remember his notable contributions to Philippine cinema and the arts,” Poe stated in the document. She referenced the 1987 Constitution, which mandates state patronage for the arts, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting the nation’s cultural heritage.

Eddie Romero, born on July 7, 1924, in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, was conferred the status of National Artist in 2003 and passed away on May 28, 2013. His career in cinema, spanning over six decades, included collaborations with notable figures such as Fernando Poe Jr., the senator’s father, particularly in the 1980 film “Aguila.” Romero’s extensive oeuvre, acclaimed both locally and internationally, features significant works such as “Ganito Kami Noon…Paano Kayo Ngayon?” (1976), “Ang Princesa at Ang Pulubi” (1951), and the 13-part television mini-series “Noli Me Tangere” (1992), which delve into the country’s history and politics.