Senate bill seeks gov't funding for performing arts groups

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Loren Legarda has filed a bill that pushes for greater investment in various performing arts groups in the country.

Senate Bill No. 2170 or the proposed Philippine National Performing Art Companies Act seeks to recognize various performing arts groups in diverse fields such as ballet, contemporary dance, orchestral music, choral music and theatre.

Legarda said that the government must also support other performing arts organizations, as it does with the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, which was cited as the Philippine's national folk dance company through Republic Act No. 8626.

Legarda's proposed law would declare a national ballet or contemporary dance company, national choral ensemble, national orchestra and national theater group as a Philippine National Performing Arts Company for a period of five years.

These groups will receive public funding, access to grants and permission to use government facilities. They will also be provided with government support to showcase their works at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and other venues.

The senator said it is important for the government to support not just one particular group but several qualified arts groups and organizations.

"The country needs to invest in Filipino talent in order to build national identity," Legarda said.