QUEZON CITY – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) recently engaged with the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) and its accredited creative guilds to gather key insights on social dialogue mechanisms and the working conditions of freelancers in broadcast media and theater.

The discussions were part of the data-gathering activities for the ILS study titled “Exploring Social Dialogue Mechanisms in Upholding Decent Working Conditions of Freelancers in Broadcast Media and Theater,” which aims to examine how social dialogue mechanisms can be harnessed to promote and uphold decent work for freelance workers in these sectors.

In a key informant interview, FAP Director General Paolo Villaluna discussed the agency’s functions and mandates in advancing the welfare of film industry workers. Meanwhile, a concurrent focus group discussion with guild representatives highlighted sector-specific challenges, including employment status and job security, fair compensation, safe and healthy working environments, access to social protection, representation, and regulatory concerns. The guild representatives also offered recommendations on strengthening social dialogue mechanisms and improving working conditions for freelance workers in the creative industry.

Participants came from various guilds, including the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI), Lupon ng mga Pilipinong Sinematograpo (LPS), Guild of Assistant Directors and Script Supervisors (GADSS), Kapisanan ng mga Assistant Directors (KAPS), League of Filipino Actors (AKTOR), Filipino Screenwriters’ Guild (FSG), Chinoy Actors of the Philippines (CAP), and Kapisanan ng mga Artista ng Pelikulang Pilipino at Telebisyon (KAPPT), among others.

Findings from these engagements will contribute to the ILS’ ongoing research on the creative industry, which will be presented at the 14th DOLE Research Conference in October.

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