MANILA, PHILIPPINES, AUGUST 28, 2020 — After months of lobbying for representation in the country's fiscal stimulus package to help cushion the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the economy, the film and audiovisual (AV) industry has finally been recognized as a critically impacted sector in the Bayanihan to Recover as One Bill or Bayanihan 2.

The creative industries, including but not limited to film and audiovisual workers, are part of the allotment of PHP 13 billion for the government's support program for impacted sectors. 

On top of the specified appropriations, the Bayanihan 2 authorizes President Rodrigo Duterte to exercise powers that are necessary in implementing COVID-19 response and recovery interventions such as the Unemployment or Involuntary Separation Assistance worth PHP 5,000 to PHP 8,000 for those in creative industries, including film, audiovisual, and broadcast workers.

The Congress’ bicameral conference committee recently approved the Bayanihan 2 as a follow-up to the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. The upper and lower chambers of Congress agreed on the PHP 165.5-billion stimulus package, with the Senate ratifying Bayanihan 2 on August 20 and the House of Representatives doing the same on August 24. It is awaiting final approval and signature from President Duterte.

“This is a big deal for the film and audiovisual industry. It is the fruit of the combined efforts of the FDCP and various stakeholders who worked together to submit a comprehensive position paper to Congressmen and Senators to highlight the economic impact of the pandemic to the industry and emphasize the urgent need for help for our workers amid this unprecedented global adversity,” commented FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño-Seguerra. 

Arts, entertainment, and recreation comprise the hardest hit business sector by the pandemic, according to a survey of the Department of Finance through the National Economic and Development Authority. The projected loss of the film and audiovisual industry in 2020 is more than PHP 100 billion and over 760,000 workers in content and live audiovisual industries have been displaced.

The FDCP, together with the sectors it represents, the Inter-Guild Alliance (a network of groups representing sectors of the film, television, and advertising industries in the Philippines), Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc., Game Development Association of the Philippines, Creative Economy Council of the Philippines, and National Live Events Coalition PH (NLECPH) came up with recommendations on the bill’s transitional, financial, and sectoral interventions. These were presented to the National  Government via the position paper.

“The film and audiovisual sector was mentioned twice in the bill. This solidifies the assistance given by our government to the thousands of displaced workers affected by this pandemic,” stated Diño-Seguerra. “It also shows the government’s recognition of the economic contribution of the film and audiovisual industry as well as its essential part in providing entertainment, joy, and hope to Filipinos who are coping with the pandemic.”

The FDCP Chairperson expressed her utmost gratitude to the Congress led by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Senate President Vicento Sotto III. She also thanked the lawmakers who supported the bill, especially the champions of the film and audiovisual industry such as Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher  “Toff” de Venecia, AAMBIS-OWA Rep. Sharon Garin, Sen. Ralph Recto, Sen. Grace Poe, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., and Sen. Sonny Angara. 

She also offered her thanks to the other lawmakers who worked on the Bayanihan 2 Bill such as Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. LRay Villafuerte, Jr., Batangas 2nd District Rep. Ranie Abu, Bulacan 1st District Rep. Jonathan Sy-Alvarado, Quirino Lone District Rep. Junie Cua, Aklan 2nd District Rep. Teodorico Haresco, Jr., Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District Rep. Wilter Palma, Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo, ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Yap, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sen. Franklin Drilon, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Sen. Imee Marcos, and Sen. Pia Cayetano.

“We humbly thank our lawmakers for giving our industry space in the economic stimulus package so that the government can provide immediate lifelines to the most vulnerable workers and companies,” added Diño-Seguerra, who served as a resource person in House and Senate Committee Hearings on the proposed fiscal stimulus package to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the ratification of the Bayanihan 2, the FDCP commits to continue being the bridge between the government and the industry to ensure that the film and audiovisual industry joins the nation in healing and recovering as one. The national film agency is set to take the necessary steps to reach out to the implementing government agencies and help determine the timeline and process for the distribution of cash aid to displaced workers. 

Photo courtesy of the House of Representatives