Film Academy to hold first Luzon guild summit in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY — The Film Academy of the Philippines will convene its first Luzon Guild Summit on March 29 in Baguio City, gathering regional film workers and organizations in a push to expand industry support beyond Metro Manila.

The summit, held as part of the Montañosa Film Festival, is designed as a working session focused on guild formation, industry concerns, and professionalization programs for film workers across Luzon.

Delegates from multiple regions are expected to attend the event, which the Academy described as a unifying platform for collaboration and sector development.

During the summit, the Academy will launch its national audio-visual worker database, known as the Pro Database, aimed at creating verified professional profiles and improving access to job opportunities and services.

Participants will also be briefed on the Eddie Garcia Law, a landmark measure that promotes safety and welfare standards in the film and television industry, alongside orientations on grievance, arbitration, and mediation mechanisms.

Film Academy Director-General Paolo Villaluna said the initiative reflects a broader effort to decentralize government support for the industry.

“If we are serious about professionalizing the film community, support cannot be limited to Metro Manila,” Villaluna said. “Workers in the regions need access to the same information, protections, and opportunities.”

The Luzon summit marks the start of a nationwide engagement plan, with similar gatherings scheduled in the Visayas and Mindanao later this year.

These will culminate in a national guild summit in November, where a proposed industry Code of Ethics will be presented and discussed.

The Film Academy, restructured in 2024 under Executive Order No. 70, is tasked with strengthening professional standards, training, and worker protection in the Philippine film sector.

Its programs include guild recognition and support, training workshops, welfare initiatives, legal assistance, and international film representation, including the country’s submissions to the Academy Awards.

The agency said its long-term goal is to build a more connected and protected film workforce, particularly in underserved regions.