Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8626)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 8626 is to designate the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company as the Philippine National Folk Dance Company, define its role and functions, and appropriate funds to support its activities.
The constitutional provisions are Article II, Sections 17 and 23, and Article XIV, Sections 14, 15, and 18(2) of the Philippine Constitution.
The criteria include being national in scope, tackling and presenting the nation's arts and culture, being the best in its field with the highest standards of excellence, being world-class with international acclaim, and maintaining a viable and sustainable organization with a track record of regular and continuing activities.
Its roles include conducting continuing research and documentation of Philippine folk culture, sharing research results through publications and media, developing folk dance masters to conduct nationwide outreach, maintaining a world-class company for state events, conducting fundraising activities, and preparing special repertoires such as for the 1998 Centennial of Philippine Independence.
They are entitled to free use of theater facilities, office space, rehearsal studios, production and technical facilities at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, subject to reasonable charges for electric and water bills, and project grants for research, documentation, and/or production from the National Commission on Culture and Arts.
The President may designate additional national folk dance companies with the same entitlements and privileges accorded by this Act upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports.
An amount of Five million pesos (P5,000,000) is appropriated initially, with necessary sums thereafter included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines shall execute necessary arrangements with the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company within thirty days of the Act’s effectivity, providing agreed facilities and support per existing laws, rules, and regulations.
The remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect, ensuring the law’s continuity despite partial invalidity.
The Act took effect upon its approval on April 15, 1998.