HR01200: A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE PROFOUND CONDOLENCE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE PASSING OF MARIA AZUCENA VERA-PEREZ MACEDA, MORE FONDLY KNOWN AS “MANAY ICHU,” A PILLAR AND VANGUARD OF THE PHILIPPINE MOVIE INDUSTRY
This resolution expresses the profound sympathy and sincere condolences of the House of Representatives on the passing of Maria Azucena Vera-Perez Maceda, fondly known as "Manay Ichu," a revered pillar and vanguard of the Philippine movie industry. Manay Ichu, born into the pioneering Vera-Perez family that established Sampaguita Pictures in 1937, became a producer of both critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. Her death on September 7, 2020, at the age of 77 marked a significant loss for the industry.
Manay Ichu was instrumental in the development and evolution of Philippine cinema, especially during its "Golden Ages." She founded and sustained numerous non-government and government organizations dedicated to Filipino filmmaking and the welfare of movie workers, including the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (MOWELFUND), the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP). Her tireless work, grand vision, and concern for everyone involved in the film industry earned her recognition as one of the grand matriarchs of Philippine movies, cementing her legacy as a vital force in the sector.