MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) has joined forces with the Department of Labor and Employment – Bureau of Working Conditions (DOLE-BWC) to kick off “Reel Change: Empowering Filipino Filmmakers through Learning and Innovation“. Held last March 9 at the Dencar Theater, MOWELFUND in Quezon City, the event aimed to foster positive behavioral shifts among film and TV workers by spotlighting safe and respectful working environments.
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.
Attendees also experienced a screening of the award-winning short film “Cross My Heart and Hope to Die“, followed by an insightful session with director Sam Manacsa and producer Chad Cabigon. The film’s themes sparked a reflective dialogue on real-life workplace scenarios, shedding light on the importance of setting clear boundaries on set.
Adding to the immersive experience, intimacy director and coordinator Dr. Missy Maramara led a workshop on “Bawas Tao sa Set“, focusing on set protocols when filming intimate or sensitive scenes. The session included practical exercises to ensure safety and professionalism during challenging shoots.
Hosting the event was actress and filmmaker Sheenly Gener, who kept the energy vibrant throughout the day.
Moving forward, FAP and DOLE-BWC are looking to expand Reel Change to reach more industry professionals, reaffirming their commitment to upholding labor rights and enhancing occupational safety standards.
