MANILA, PHILIPPINES, FEBRUARY 3, 2021 — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Health (DOH) have issued Joint Administrative Order No. 2021-001 (JAO) on Health and Safety Protocols for the Conduct of Film and Audiovisual Production Shoots and Audiovisual Activities During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Republic of the Philippines 

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regarding the employment of minors in the entertainment industry during the pandemic. Under the recently released Labor Advisory 23 and 24, DOLE now allows work at home arrangement for minors (under the age of 18) with further stipulations for those under the age of 15.

Don’t be daunted! Although the many forms and requirements under the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) regarding health and safety protocols for audiovisual production shoots may seem intimidating, registering your production shoot is actually easier than it looks!

Out of the nine downloadable forms under the JAO, there are actually only two forms required to be submitted for Safe Filming registration. These are Forms 1 and 3, or the Production Registration form and the Health and Safety Commitment Declaration Form.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has barreled through film industries the world over. The chilling effects of cinema shutdowns due to the novel coronavirus were felt throughout Asia, and even the formidable US box office was not spared.

Everything was set for the various film festivals in the regions that were scheduled this year. Some film fests were about to announce their Call for Entries, while others were already finalizing plans when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)  pandemic happened. The public health emergency called for the declaration of a national state of calamity, and mass gatherings were prohibited in order to contain the virus. This meant the postponement or cancellation of all film events in the country, including the regional film festivals. 

Events and programs that are sponsored and partnered by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) may have been postponed in light of the community quarantine and national state of calamity due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But the FDCP has ensured the continuity of its services by implementing alternative work arrangements composed of a work-from-home setup and an onsite skeletal team.