The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has officially granted “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” an age-appropriate rating following its previous pullout from a local film festival.
The documentary, which sheds light into the lives and struggles of local fishermen in the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea, is one of 287 films granted exhibition permits by the MTRCB in the first half of 2025.
Originally submitted by Insight 360 Consultancy Services Inc. in March, the film received a PG (Parental Guidance) rating—meaning it is suitable for viewers aged 13 and below, provided they are accompanied by an adult.
In June, the documentary was resubmitted for review under a shortened title, “Food Delivery,” by its producer, Voyage Film Studios Inc., with the PG rating maintained.
“PG” materials contain themes and scenes that are better appreciated by young audiences if viewed with adult guidance and supervision, the committee explained.
MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto-Antonio expressed her support for “socially relevant storytelling” while promoting responsible filmmaking and viewership.
“Through our age-appropriate rating and classification, we aim to protect viewers, especially children, while encouraging responsible content creation,” said the chairwoman.
Last month, “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea,” directed by Baby Ruth Villarama, won the Tides of Change Award at the Doc Edge Festival in Auckland, New Zealand, an Academy Awards qualifying event.
The Chinese Consulate General in Auckland requested that the festival cancel further screenings of the 82-minute documentary, claiming it is “rife with disinformation and false propaganda, serving as a political tool for the Philippines to pursue illegitimate claims in the South China Sea,” but organizers decided to proceed as planned.
Actor-turned-politician, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, also expressed disappointment over China’s alleged attempt to block the screening of the documentary at the international film festival.
“This is not just a film—it is a courageous, heartfelt portrayal of the harsh realities faced by our fisherfolk, maritime workers, and scientists. It deserves to be seen, discussed, and honored, especially by Filipinos,” stressed Estrada.
The win from the Doc Edge Festival came after the documentary was pulled from the CinePanalo Film Festival, where it was supposed to have its premiere last March. At the time, organizers cited “external factors” in a joint statement with the director.
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Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela recently urged the CinePanalo organizers to explain why the local documentary was pulled from the festival. However, the organizers declined to comment. /edv
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