“Kaya rin po naming umarte.”

With these words, Krystel Go made history as she won the Best Actress award at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal for her role in the film I’m Perfect, which also emerged as Best Picture of the festival. The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) warmly congratulates Go and the entire I’m Perfect team for this landmark achievement, which affirms a long-standing truth championed by the disability community: persons with disabilities are capable of excellence and can rightfully take center stage in Philippine cinema.

In a statement, the NCDA said Krystel Go’s portrayal in I’m Perfect, highlighting the lived experiences of persons with Down syndrome, is both authentic and transformative. Her Best Actress win, alongside the film’s recognition as Best Picture, sends a strong message that disability-inclusive storytelling is not only socially relevant but artistically outstanding. This milestone breaks long-standing stereotypes and demonstrates that a person with a disability can indeed be a Best Actress recognized for talent, discipline, and exceptional craft.

The NCDA underscores that these recognitions align with Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, as amended by Republic Act No. 9442, which upholds the rights of persons with disabilities to equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and full participation in cultural and social life. These laws mandate the removal of attitudinal barriers and call for the recognition of the abilities, contributions, and potential of persons with disabilities in all sectors, including film and media.

At the international level, the success of I’m Perfect reflects the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), particularly Article 30, which recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to participate on an equal basis with others in cultural life, recreation, leisure, and the arts. Meaningful representation in cinema is not an act of goodwill; it is the fulfillment of a fundamental human right.

The NCDA commends the filmmakers, producers, and creative team behind I’m Perfect for their commitment to inclusive, respectful, and empowering storytelling. It calls on the Philippine film and creative industries to sustain this momentum by creating more opportunities for persons with disabilities as lead actors, storytellers, and creators. The Best Actress and Best Picture wins of I’m Perfect send a clear and hopeful message: Philippine cinema is on the right track toward inclusion, dignity, and equal recognition for all.