THE 71st Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards on Sunday formally conferred the recognition on this year’s FAMAS Exemplary Award in Public Service to Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for his dedicated, selfless service and transformative influence in championing people’s welfare.

Speaker Romualdez extended his deep gratitude to FAMAS for recognizing and honoring his efforts in public service with the prestigious accolade given to him during the event held at the Manila Hotel Fiesta Pavilion.

He said the award is a validation of his vision and mission for the betterment of the country and a powerful reminder that his pursuit of excellence in public service for the interest of the Filipino people has not gone unnoticed.

“I am humbled and honored to accept the FAMAS Excellence in Public Service Award. This recognition is not just mine, but to every Filipino whose hopes and dreams inspire and challenge us in the House of Representatives every day,” Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 312-member House of Representatives, said on the award-giving body that also recognizes cinema excellence in several categories.

“As I accept this award, I am reminded that excellence in service is not a destination but a journey. And as we walk this journey together, may we continue to be inspired by the stories we tell and the lives we touch. Maraming salamat po. Mabuhay ang Pelikulang Pilipino. Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!” He said.

“Sa lahat ng bumubuo ng FAMAS, maraming salamat po sa pagkilalang ito.

Maraming salamat din sa patuloy na paggawa ninyo ng mga pelikulang nagbibigay-buhay sa kulturang Pilipino,” Speaker Romualdez said.

In my tenure as the Speaker, he said “I have always believed that our stories, whether told in the hallowed halls of Congress or the silver screen, are essential threads in the fabric of our nation.”

“Each story, each law, each scene and each dialogue carries with it the weight of our shared aspirations and the heart of our beloved nation,” he said.

Speaker Romualdez said “our industries, both politics and entertainment” are “powerful storytellers.”

“While one might craft laws and the other crafts stories, both aim to touch hearts and shape futures. Our films and TV shows do not just entertain; they reflect our culture, our values, our dreams, and sometimes, our very souls. They bring us laughter in times of joy, solace in moments of sorrow, and inspiration when hope seems lost,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“To the artists, directors, writers, and every unsung hero in the entertainment industry, I salute you. You are the torchbearers of our culture, reminding us of our past, grounding us in the present and guiding us toward the future.

Let us remember that our roles, whether in public service or in the arts, are intertwined in our shared mission: to elevate the Filipino spirit, to dream bigger for our nation and to weave tales of hope, resilience, and unity,” Speaker Romualdez said.