Quoting industry figures, the DTI chief said the local entertainment industry, including film production, distribution, and cinemas, has a size of around P13 billion pre-pandemic. The industry employs 300,000 Filipinos.
The industry, however, shrunk to ₱1.3 billion in 2020 following the lockdowns and quarantines that padlocked cinemas for almost a year now. The reopening of traditional cinemas is expected to bring back the displaced workers.
Lopez said this amid the hesitation by some Metro Manila mayors to reopen traditional cinemas to moviegoers for fear this will trigger more transmission of the virus as theaters are normally in enclosed and in an air-conditioned complex.
MMC opposes
Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez said yesterday the Metro Manila Council (MMC) is now drafting a resolution to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease opposing the resumptions of operations of cinemas in areas under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
Olivarez said the MMC’s resolution to the IATF opposing the opening of cinemas will be submitted today, February 15.
He said Metro Manila mayors are apprehensive with the recommendation to reopen cinemas under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) because it did not go through “proper consultation.”
DTI defends move
Secretary Lopez defended the move saying that the decision was reviewed by experts in the technical working group of the IATF with the Departments of Health, Labor and Employment, Tourism, Trade and Industry, Interior and Local Government, and Finance. There are also extra protocols required such as ventilation, he said.
This story is from the February 15, 2021 edition of Manila Bulletin.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 15, 2021 edition of Manila Bulletin.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Taking care of older persons is the collective concern of the citizenry
The International Day of Older Persons is observed on Oct. 1 each year.
Promoting safe driving in the new normal
Ford Driving Skills for Life
ON MANNY PACQUIAO - You're the greatest – Roach
From one legend to another.
NAT'L BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION - PAY CUTS FOR NO VAX PLAYERS
NBA poises crackdown on those who refuse to get vaccinated
Duterte renews commitment to infra dev't
With only months left in his term, President Duterte reassured the public that his administration remains committed to its promise of infrastructure development aimed at making the Philippines a progressive nation.
Sustain Our Teachers' Enthusiasm; Enable Young Learners To Hurdle The Learning Crisis
For 10 years now, the period from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 of every year has been observed as National Teachers Month (NTM), by virtue of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Proclamation No. 242. The observance culminates on Oct. 5 that, by virtue of Republic Act 10743, is observed as World Teachers Day (WTD) and National Teachers Day (NTD) pursuant to a UNESCO mandate.
Love knows no borders
Pangasinense couple weds at checkpoint
The Next Election Is No Waste Of Time
An appeal to the young who can influence the outcome of the upcoming elections
US Olympian Biles Says She Should've Quit Earlier
Gymnastics
Drones And Jets: China Shows Off New Air Power
ZHUHAI, China (AFP) — China on Tuesday showed off its increasingly sophisticated airpower including surveillance drones and jets able to jam hostile electronic equipment, with an eye on disputed territories from Taiwan to the South China Sea and rivalry with the United States.
