The Philippines is home to some of the most popular and internationally -acclaimed artists. Apart from dominating global singing competitions, the Philippines has also produced some of the best painters, designers, actors, composers, filmmakers, writers and dancers. Just recently, the Philippines was recognized at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival for Ma’ Rosa with a Filipina gaining the most coveted Best Actress award.

We take great pride in our National Artists as well as the myriad of other cultural symbols that represent our country.

To further develop our nation’s strong cultural and artistic tradition, this bill proposes to reorganize the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) into an independent Department Of Culture and the Arts (DCA). This would elevate the existing commission into a Department, expanding its mandate and awarding the body with more authority in planning, coordinating and implementing the country’s programs for the conservation and promotion of culture and the arts.

The DCA would effectively house all major government arms related to Culture and the Arts, namely: the National Archives, the National Museum, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

In joining forces, our cultural, linguistic and artistic national agencies will have the opportunity to develop cohesive programs aligned to the DCA mission and vision. The Department would also have the mandate to install regional DCA offices that will localize the development and recognition of artistic endeavors.

Moreover this bill endeavors to establish a specialized Arts program in all levels of schooling, to further entrench the artistic tradition and give more students the opportunity to develop their artistic skill under a rigorous program. 

In addition, the DCA would be in charge of handling the National Endowment Fund for Culture and Arts, providing grants for Filipinos rom all over the country to encourage artistic creation. 

With 175 different dialects in the Philippines, we have an extremely diverse population that carry rich artistic and cultural tradition that is valuable to our identity, as well to our economy. Should we continue to institutionalize programs that develop our Culture and the Arts, Filipinos will benefit from appreciating our rich culture as we proudly display our colors for the entire world to see. 

In view of the foregoing, the passing of this bill is earnestly sought.