Law Summary
Significance of Marching Bands in Philippine Culture
- Marching bands have played an integral role in Filipino traditions, fiestas, secular practices, and state inaugurations.
- They are recognized as part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Historic Role of Marching Bands
- The State acknowledges the historical importance of marching bands in key events such as:
- The public performance of the Marcha Nacional Filipina (Philippine National Anthem) during the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite.
- Their strategic use as diversionary tactics during the Philippine Revolution.
Bacoor, Cavite as a Center for Marching Bands
- The City of Bacoor, Cavite is identified as the birthplace of the oldest living marching bands in the Philippines.
- It remains a hub for community marching bands and school-based drum and lyre corps.
Commitment to Preservation and Promotion
- Bacoor pledges to continue sustaining and preserving the tradition and activities associated with marching bands nationwide.
- This commitment includes collaborative efforts with other local government units, government bodies, and the private sector.
Official Declaration
- By virtue of existing constitutional and legal authority, the President declares Bacoor, Cavite as the "Marching Band Capital of the Philippines."
- The proclamation is formalized by the President's signature and the affixing of the seal of the Republic of the Philippines.
- Official enactment occurred on April 6, 2020, in Manila.