DAVAO CITY—The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office XI (DOLE-XI) conducted an orientation on the Eddie Garcia law among film and television production companies in Davao City.
Held on Jan. 14 at Fair Crown Suites, the orientation was attended by owners and representatives of several film studios, video production companies and media outfits who are engaged in audio-video production work.
The orientation was conducted by Atty. Ma. Feliche Ericka Valeriano OIC Division Chief Policy and Program Development Division, Bureau of Working Condition, DOLE.
Named after the late veteran actor Eddie Garcia, the law aims to protect and ensure the welfare of artists and crew during shootings and productions.
The 90-year-old actor sustained a cervical spine injury in an accident during a shooting which led to his demise. In an investigation a DOLE team found violations in Occupational Safety and Health Law.
Eddie Garcia’s case would eventually lead to the filing of an Eddie Garcia bill which aims to provide a safe and healthy working environment for film, TV workers. The bill was signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on May 28 2024.
“The safety and health concerns of the workers given focus, their welfare is enshrined in the Eddie Garcia law,” DOLE-XI Regional Director Atty. Randolf Pensoy.
The DOLE-XI RD says there is a notable film and television industry in the region whose workers can benefit from the law.
“We already have the implementing rules but we have first to orient the industry. The most important thing is to guide them about the law about the working conditions, the occupational health and safety of the personnel. So we orient them on how the law will be properly applied,” Pensoy said.
The law covers artists and workers in the film and television industry including those producing content for digital and online.
Among its provisions include mandating the compliance with the occupational safety and health standards provided in Republic Act No. 11058 and Section 25 of Republic Act No. 11036, Implementing a standard of treatment in the workplace that is free from abuse, harassment and physical violence or any act that degrades the dignity of the worker.
Another important provision is where employers are mandated to notify the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional, Provincial, or Field Office with the production location and schedule.
For indie filmmaker Bagane Fiola the orientation helps the productions based in Davao to be aware about the law.
“We will be given an idea on what the law is about, and we will be guided during our shoots,” Fiola said.
He said that there are now very active productions in Davao Region thus the need for a law to protect its workers
“Most of the productions here in Davao are active. Unlike in the past when shoots were in Manila or Luzon, now even Manila productions are coming to Davao,” Fiola said. (PIA/RGA)
