The Film Academy of the Philippines teamed up with the Department of Labor and Employment Bureau of Working Conditions in holding “REEL CHANGE: Empowering Filipino Filmmakers through Learning and Innovation” last March 9 at the Dencar Theater, MOWELFUND in Quezon City to instill behavioral change among entertainment industry workers.
DOLE-BWC Director Atty. Alvin B. Curada opened the event, which was held in celebration of the 2025 National Women’s Month, by stressing the need “to ensure safe, inclusive, and dignified work environments across all industries.”
Dr. Marco Antonio Valeros, DOLE-BWC Medical Officer IV, talked about Republic Act No. 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, and Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act. He focused on the importance of stronger protections against Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in the workplace, as he tackled the “GBSH Safe Spaces Act: Promoting Safe Workspaces” and its relevance to the industry.
The in-depth conversation, which emphasized the shared responsibility of employers and workers in creating a harassment-free environment, also touched on “the continued coordinated efforts to promote anti-harassment policies, empower Committees on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), and intensify industry-wide awareness campaigns to create safer and more respectful workplaces.”
FAP Director General Paolo Villaluna led the participants, namely former FAP OIC and veteran production designer Manny Morfe, Director’s Guild of the Philippines, Inc. President Mark Meily, filmmakers Raymond Red, Pam Miras, Jules Katanyag, Dustin Celestino, Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan, Michael Angelo Dagñalan, Paul Sta. Ana, Seymour Sanchez, Max Celada, Celeste Lapida, producers Janel Gutierrez and Kristine Kintana, Katipunan ng mga Artista ng Pelikulang Pilipino at Telebisyon President Hero Bautista, and Philippine Talent Guilds President and Founder Evangeline Torcino, among others.
A screening of the award-winning short film “Cross My Heart and Hope to Die” and a talkback session with director Sam Manacsa and producer Chad Cabigon gave the learning session attendees an opportunity to reflect on workplace experiences and real-life scenarios.
Dr. Missy Maramara, intimacy director and coordinator, discussed in detail the rules on set protocols when shooting sensitive scenes and gave exercises for the workshop participants to do in “Bawas Tao sa Set.” This is relevant to ensure safety and professionalism during intimate or challenging film productions.
Actress and filmmaker Sheenly Gener hosted the event.
FAP and DOLE-BWC plan to conduct the event on a bigger scale to reaffirm its commitment to strengthen labor rights and enhance occupational safety and health standards.