ABS-CBN Film Restoration shuts down after 14 years

MANILA, Philippines, May 3 ------ ABS-CBN Film Restoration has officially shut down after 14 years of operation. Leo Katigbak, head of the program, confirmed in a Facebook post that the initiative formally ceased operations on March 31, with April dedicated to staff transition and completing final tasks. "ABS-CBN Film Restoration ended its 14-year run last March 31, 2025 with April mostly turnover and sampling the last works we completed as the final day loomed," Katigbak wrote.  

The closure is the latest in the series of consequences following the ABS-CBN shutdown in 2020, after the network failed to secure a new broadcast franchise. "Sadly it is still a casualty of the efforts to close down the company in 2020 by a man who wrought havoc and killed dreams as well. or the last few months, we barreled through as much as we can with what meager resources were available to us and until our very last day, we gave it our all," Katigbak added. 

Launched in 2011 under the vision of then-Chairman Gabby Lopez and President Charo Santos, the project—more popularly known through its advocacy name Sagip Pelikula—restored more than 240 Filipino films, some dating back to 1939. These included cinematic treasures such as "Himala" and "Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak," both starring the late National Artist for Film Nora Aunor, which also served as the initiative's first and final restored releases. 

However, even as the dedicated restoration department ceases to exist, Katigbak assured that the legacy of Sagip Pelikula will continue. "While that facet of the business is gone, many aspects of what we used to do will be handled by other ABS departments, including the Sagip Pelikula advocacy, jointly by Star Cinema and Cinemo beginning May 2025," he said. 

Katigbak also credited Carlo Katigbak, Cory Vidanes, and Freddie Garcia and many others for their support through the years. He also expressed deep gratitude to the many individuals and groups who made the work possible — including Central Digital Lab, Kantana, Ritrovata, Wildsound, Star Cinema, Cinema One, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Cultural Center of the Philippines, and even malls and universities that hosted screenings. Special recognition was given to Piolo Pascual, "who was with [them] since Day 1 promoting the initiative," and National Artist for Film Ricky Lee, "who lent his voice and shared [their] passion, providing the soul that sent [their] spirits soaring." "Preserving the past to inspire the future is a never-ending quest and we hope we were able to encourage many including a new generation to take up the challenge. Sa mga tumangkilik, naniwala, nanaginip maraming salamat po. Ako si Leo Katigbak...nakiki-Sagip Pelikula," he ended. 

Source: manilatimes.net