Cebu City dad eyes regulating ‘busking’

CEBU, Philippines — Street performers or buskers in Cebu City may need to follow regulations soon as a new city ordinance is underway to further promote and protect local talents.

According to the proposed ordinance of Cebu City Councilor Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa entitled “Busker Ordinance in Cebu City,” performances on the streets must be regulated for the safety of the performers and the public, as well as to boost the city’s social, business, cultural, and recreational activities.

The proposed ordinance was referred to the Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Styling, last Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in coordination with the Cebu City Tourism Office and the Culture and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC).

In an interview with The Freeman, Abellanosa said he took inspiration to craft the ordinance from other countries that have regulated busking activities, considering the growing number of buskers in the city.

“In other countries, it’s allowed. It’s regulated. They have their own laws about it, especially in Asia, South America, and Europe. So karon that we have observed actually here in Cebu City there’s a rise and above a number of buskers already,” Abellanosa told The Freeman.

“Actually, the city is starting with a sort of local organization but with regards to busking, wala pa tay ordinance about it,” he added.

Abellanosa said that the main goal of the ordinance is to help local talents in Cebu City, particularly those who have just started up as buskers.

“If they do it themselves, it’s hard for them to do (like) to promote themselves. At least with this ordinance, it can help promote them even further and protect them also,” Abellanosa said.

Abellanosa further explained that apart from the monetary benefits that buskers can gain, this ordinance can also help promote them by regulating and legalizing busking activities in the city.

Abellanosa also added that regulations are also provided to protect buskers, who are mostly on the streets, underscoring their safety especially during late hours.

In Section 3 of the proposed ordinance or the guidelines, it states that buskers are encouraged to perform from 8 am to 9 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, then 8 am to 11 pm on Fridays to Sundays.

However, Abellanosa made clear that the ordinance does not prohibit buskers to go beyond, but rather they are just encouraged to perform on the given hours for safety purposes.

With regard to the areas where busking activities can be done, the said ordinance allows buskers to perform on sidewalks, public parks and squares, playgrounds, and promenades, as long as they will not cause obstruction to pedestrians.

Abellanosa also said that once the ordinance is approved, it will not only protect the buskers, but also the people who are watching.

John Peterson Villarin, a local busker, said in an interview with The Freeman that he agrees with the said ordinance, highlighting that it can provide opportunities for local buskers like him to showcase their talents and at the same time earn money.

“(Ang) nakanindot niya kay mohatag og opportunity sa mga performer nga ma-showcase ilang talent. Another thing is maka-earn sad bitaw kay naa man gud uban dire (sa Cebu City) nga walay gigs, mao ang gipangita ba,” Villarin shared. (CEBU NEWS)