On April 27, 2020, the Department of Health (DOH) issued Administrative Order 2020-015, which directed National Government Agencies (NGAS) to develop and submit sector-specific plans and guidelines on COVID-19 public health standards to the DOH. This will be consolidated and endorsed by the Secretary of Health to the Inter-Agency Task Force On Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and complied with by the private sectors involved. 

On April 29, 2020, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) manifested to DOH its intent to submit Health and Safety Standards for the Film and Audiovisual Industry and has since been in coordination with DOH for the drafting and development of such.

From April to May, the FDCP conducted several consultation meetings to gather suggestions and proposed recommendations from the sectors on the safe conduct of all stages of production shoots amid COVID-19.

On May 15, 2020, the IATF-EID released Resolution No. 37, placing the country under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ) except for Cebu and Mandaue City which remains under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

Under both MECQ and GCQ conditions, Film, TV, and Music Production have been allowed to operate on a 50% capacity.

Pending approval from the IATF-EID on the submitted Film And Audiovisual Production Shoot Guidelines On The Risk-Based Public Health Standard for COVID-19 Mitigation, the FDCP undertook to adopt interim or provisionary guidelines as the Film and Audiovisual sector gradually opens up, and business starts to commence starting May 16, 2020, under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine and General Community Quarantine areas.

On May 16, 2020, the FDCP issued Memorandum No. 6 on the Interim Guidelines on the Safety Protocols for the Conduct of Film and Audiovisual Production Shoots to Mitigate Covid-19. This is to make sure that productions nationwide who are planning to conduct business activities are well informed and guided by safety and health measures issued by the government.

On May 18, 2020, the FDCP officially received a copy of the Safety Protocols related to COVID-19 submitted by the Interguild Alliance, a community-based network of various groups representing different relevant sectors in film, television, and advertising. FDCP has reviewed the same and endorsed the document to the Department of Health (DOH) on May 19, 2020, for the agency's consideration.

As of today, May 22, 2020, the FDCP is closely working with the DOH on the final draft of the COVID-19 Safety and Health Guidelines for the Film and Audiovisual Industry. 

Meanwhile, FDCP's Memorandum Order No. 6 on the Interim Guidelines On Safety Protocols for the Conduct of Film And Audiovisual Production Shoots to Mitigate Covid-19 shall take effect from May 16- May 31 or until the final guidelines from the FDCP and DOH are approved by the IATF-EID.

For everyone's guidance and strict compliance.

USEC. MARY LIZA B. DIÑO
Chairperson & CEO, FDCP