Film Academy to hold Luzon Guild Summit at Montañosa Film Festival
In the Photo. Mr. Paolo Villaluna – Director-General, Film Academy of the Philippines. Photo by Mario Oclaman
BAGUIO CITY – The Film Academy of the Philippines will hold the first Luzon Guild Summit in Baguio City on March 29, as part of the Montañosa Film Festival–Baguio’s annual celebration of film. The Academy acknowledges the significance of regional film workers and organizations and will gather delegates from all the regions of Luzon. This summit will be a unifying event for the region. Its program is designed as a working session, with discussions on the importance of guild creation, industry concerns, and the Academy’s professionalization programs.
During the summit, the Film Academy will also launch the Pro Database, or the national audio-visual worker database–discuss the Eddie Garcia Law, and orient participants on its grievance, arbitration, and mediation channels.
Director-General Paolo Villaluna said the summit is part of a larger push to make sure Government support for film workers is not limited to the capital.
“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.”
Throughout 2026, the Film Academy’s efforts to engage with guilds will continue in Visayas and Mindanao, culminating in a national guild summit in November, where a Code of Ethics for the industry will be proposed and discussed. #
About the Film Academy of the Philippines
Restructured in 2024 by Executive Order No. 70, s. In 2024, the Film Academy is new government agency tasked to help professionalize the Philippine film community and strengthen support for film workers. Its mandate covers worker development, training, and protection; support for guilds and professional standards; and the country’s official submission to the US Academy Awards.
The Academy’s work is built around a practical set of programs meant to respond to real gaps in the sector. These include guild recognition and support, worker training, welfare and legal protection, data gathering, and international film support. Through the Guild Recognition, Accreditation, and Support Program, the Academy works to help organize workers and strengthen guild formation. Through the National Audio-Visual Worker Database will build a system that can give workers a public professional profile, improve verification, and help connect them to job opportunities and services.
The Academy is also developing and running programs such as Reel Vision Workshops and Reel Change Workshops (which provide training and capacity-building), Crew Care (worker welfare support) and legal and grievance mechanisms for workers who need formal help. Alongside this, it continues its awards and international work through programs tied to film recognition, including support for the country’s participation in the Oscars process.
The Academy is dedicated to building an industry where workers have access to better training, are protected, and are well-connected to opportunities, services, and each other.
