NCCA statement on the passing of National Artist Eddie Romero
MANILA, Philippines - The nation mourns the passing of National Artist for film and broadcast arts Eddie Sinco Romero.
At the age of 88, the eminent film director, producer and writer left us at 9 P.M. on May 28, 2013, a great bereavement, but he left us a priceless body of works that will forever edify and uplift us and the generations to come, including incandescent masterpieces such as Ganito Kami Noon…Paano Kayo Ngayon (1976), Banta ng Kahapon (1977), Aguila (1979) and Kamakalawa (1981).
He was declared a National Artist in 2003.
Born in Durmaguete City in Negros Oriental on July 7, 1924, Romero wanted to become a writer and published his first short story at the age of twelve. National Artist for film Gerardo de Leon took notice of his writings and invited him to write for the movies, paving the way for Romero to work in the movie industry. Writing for films eventually led to directing and producing. His films are noted for its simplicity, ambition and originality.
Aside from making films, Romero worked tirelessly to promote and uplift Philippine arts and culture. Particularly, he was active with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), serving as chairman of its Cinema Values Reorientation Program (CVRP) and head of the National Committee on Cinema and supporting its many programs. He even donated the rights of his most famous film Ganito Kami Noon…Paano Kayo Ngayon to the institution.
The NCCA and the whole nation are touched by his generosity and passion for excellence. He will be greatly missed but his magnanimous spirit will forever burn in our hearts and minds. The date of the necrological services being organized by the NCCA and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will soon be announced.
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