Legal basis and governing framework
- The Circular is issued pursuant to Department Order No. 3-A, specifically Sections III & IV, which provide for the establishment and authorization of training centers for performing artists.
- The Circular sets authorization and compliance rules for training centers as a condition to operate for the training of performing artists.
Policy purpose and compliance focus
- The Circular provides guidelines for the authorization and operation of training centers for performing artists.
- Authorization is tied to compliance with required facilities, staff, and approved training curriculum.
- Authorization may be suspended or cancelled for cause by the Administration.
Definition and scope of covered applicants
- The Circular applies to all new applicants intending to engage in the training of performing artists.
- The Circular also enjoins all agencies/entities with existing training facilities and programs to upgrade their present set up.
- Authorization to operate may be issued to a person, an entity, or a licensed agency that complies with documentary and operational requirements.
Facility requirements for authorization
- For training of dancers, the training center must have a 40 square meter dance studio with permanently installed dance bars.
- For dancer training, the center must have wall mirrors at least 5 feet in height with width measuring at least 2/3 of the dance area's length, and must have a karaoke/sound system.
- For training of singers, the center must have a 10-square meter music studio with acoustic protection, and must have a sound system and piano.
- For training of show bands, the center must have a 40-square meter studio with acoustic protection and a complete set of show band musical instruments.
- The center must have one (1) 30-square meter classroom equipped with desks, writing boards, and other teaching literature.
- The center must maintain auxiliary rooms, including separate comfort rooms for men and women, separate dressing rooms for men and women, and a waiting room for trainees.
- All studios and rooms must be well ventilated and lighted.
- The center must have training materials, equipments and accessories based on training standards and course offering.
Staff and competency requirements
- A training center must have a regular staff and, for its academic training program, a full-time supervisor or head.
- The full-time supervisor or head must be at least a college graduate or its equivalent.
- Academic and skills trainers must have undergone a Competency Test with the NMYC and must be certified accordingly.
Approved training curriculum and curriculum development
- A training center must use only academic and skills curriculum that is duly approved by the Secretary of Labor.
- Approval must be made on endorsement or recommendation by the Entertainment Industry Advisory council (EIAC).
- A training center may seek approval for the use of an improved curriculum, including special and skill curricula for artists with previous similar training or previous overseas employment experience.
- Training manuals and other support instructional materials may be developed by the center pursuant to the approved curriculum.
Authorization to operate: filing documents
- Authorization to operate a training center shall be issued to a person or entity or a licensed agency that submits documents to the Licensing and Regulation Office (LRO) and complies with required conditions.
- Documentary requirements include a copy of Articles of Incorporation or Partnership duly registered with the SEC, or a copy of registration with the Bureau of Domestic Trade.
- Documentary requirements include a copy of the municipal or city permit.
- Documentary requirements include proof of ownership of the center’s premises or a copy of the lease/rental agreement of the premises.
- If the applicant is a licensed agency, it submits a copy of its license in lieu of some premises documents.
- The applicant must submit a list of training staff with their resumes and their NMYC certification as may be applicable.
- The applicant must submit a list of training equipment.
- The applicant must submit a list of training programs offered.
- If the applicant is a licensed agency, it must show experience in the deployment of entertainers for at least one (1) year.
- If the applicant is a talent manager or promotions company, it must show one (1) year experience in the development and management of entertainers.
- For applicants who are talent managers, promotions companies, or entities other than licensed agencies, authorization may be supported through nomination or appointment by licensed agencies that qualify as above to recruit and deploy entertainers as their talent developer, under an appointment arranged by licensed agencies.
Inspection, operational approval, and signage
- Upon receipt of the applicant’s notice, duly authorized POEA inspectors must conduct inspection at the proposed training center(s).
- Inspection is for determining compliance with facilities and operational requirements.
- The training center must be properly identified in its facade through a signboard indicating:
- Name of Training Center
- Authorization Number
Validity, renewal conditions, and deployment licensing
- Authorization granted under these guidelines is valid for one (1) year from the date of issue.
- Authorization validity is subject to suspension or cancellation for cause to be determined by the Administration.
- Training centers shall not engage in the deployment of artists unless duly licensed to act as an employment agency.
Applicability to existing facilities
- All agencies/entities with existing training facilities and programs for artists are enjoined to upgrade their present set up.
- The guidelines govern new applicants intending to engage in training of performing artists.
Effectivity and timeline
- The Circular takes effect 15 days from date of publication.