Republic of the Philippines 

Office of the President

FILM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF THE PHILIPPINES

Safe Filming Program

24 March 2021

ON THE SURGE OF COVID-19 CASES IN THE COUNTRY

AND THE RELEASE OF IATF RESOLUTION NO. 104

EFFECTIVE 22 MARCH - 04 APRIL 2021

Due to the current surge of COVID-19 cases in the country, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), through its Safe Filming program, is reminding its stakeholders of the importance of abiding by the safety and health protocols set by the government in the midst of the pandemic and based on the release of IATF Resolution No 104 and placing additional restrictions to the NCR, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Bulacan areas from March 22-April 4, 2021.

• Current operational capacities of essential and non-essential industries shall be maintained. Production shoots are allowed during this period, but are encouraged to reduce on-site capacity to 30-50% where applicable.
• No more than fifty (50) workers at a time in a production set shall be observed; not more than ten (10) people in one (1) work zone.
• Travel within NCR+ (Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan) is allowed. Non-essential travel outside of these areas will NOT be allowed. Therefore, production shoots taking place in NCR+ must only be conducted within those areas. Film workers cannot travel outside of these localities and must adhere to each local government unit’s additional measures or guidelines as applicable.
• Minors and people over 65 years old, as well as pregnant women and those with health risks, should stay home and should coordinate alternative work arrangements with their productions.
• Curfew will be in effect from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

While there are no changes or suspensions of film and audiovisual shoots and audiovisual activities in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in the new Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution No. 104 dated 20 March 2021, we encourage our stakeholders to implement a strict enforcement of minimum public health standards to mitigate the spread of the virus.

• Wearing of mask and face shield, physical distancing, hand hygiene.
• Avoid face-to-face meetings in all stages of production and establish alternative working arrangements.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in workplaces as preventive measure against the spread of the virus.
• Smoking and vaping in the workplace is highly discouraged. While in the designated smoking areas, physical distancing should be followed.
• Workers must avoid eating together. Consuming meals in their work station is encouraged instead.
• Producers and On-site Safety Officers (SO) are encouraged to conduct an “Off the Job” COVID-19 Safety & Health briefings to their employees. This may include COVID-19 health & safety tips when using mass transportation, going to public places, and at their homes.
• Follow the DTI-DOLE-DOH Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2021 - 0001 on the Health and Safety Protocols for the Conduct of Film and Audiovisual Production Shoots and Audiovisual Activities during COVID-19 Pandemic and DTI-DOLE Joint Memorandum Circular (JAO) No. 20-04-A on Supplemental Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19.

As we prioritize the safety and health of our stakeholders, the FDCP is continuously coordinating with our partner government agencies to address the concerns of our industry regarding this matter.

For your guidance and assistance, kindly contact us through [email protected] or at (0917) 723 3111.

Let's all practice Safe Filming to ensure everyone’s safety and health.