Lawmakers Working On Substitute Bill for Cash Incentives to Artists

Lawmakers are planning to combine three measures aimed at giving out cash incentives to artists that receive international acclaim.

According to Camarines Sur Rep. Lray F. Villafuerte, the House Special Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts has created a technical working group (TWG) to merge provisions of the Creative Philippines Act or House Bill 1281, An Act Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Filipino Artists, providing benefits and for other purposes or House Bill 4540, and The Artists Incentives Act or House Bill 1934.

Rep. Villafuerte has mentioned that a substitute bill is already being crafted under the TWG.

“The international awards bestowed upon the works of our Filipino artists call for appropriate government acknowledgment,” mentioned Villafuerte.

“We need to grant cash incentives to Filipinos in the creative industry, who have received recognition and honor in prestigious and notable competitions abroad.”

“With this measure, our artists will surely be encouraged to engage in various forms of arts to represent the country and further hone their skills and craft in the various arts,” he adds.

In a recently held committee hearing,  Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Tirso S. Cruz III stated that creative people part of filmmaking such as cinematographers, producers, directors, or actors involved in award-giving institutions internationally have not received any form of cash awards.

Rep. Villafuerte adds that “the creative industry is an essential cultural asset in the country as they showcase arts, skills, and creativity. In the context of the Philippines, our history and culture has been showcased in various music, performing arts, craft, design and film.”

Source: Business Mirror