Law Summary
Designation as Philippine National Folk Dance Company
- The Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company is formally designated as the Philippine National Folk Dance Company.
- Criteria for designation include:
- National scope: representing diverse Philippine arts, culture, tradition.
- Excellence: highest standards in artistic quality and production.
- World-class recognition: participation and acclaim in international events.
- Organizational viability and continuity in activities.
Roles and Functions
- Continual research and documentation of folk rituals, dances, songs, music, decorations for repertoire enrichment.
- Publication and dissemination of research results through various media forms for educational and public use.
- Development of a pool of folk dance masters and permanent dancers for outreach programs through workshops and seminars nationwide.
- Maintenance of a world-class performing company for state and international events.
- Conduct fund raising activities to support projects.
- Special role to prepare a new repertoire for the 1998 Philippine Centennial Independence celebrations.
Entitlements
- Free use of theater, office, rehearsal, production, and technical facilities at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, with reasonable utility cost charges.
- Eligibility for project grants from the National Commission on Culture and Arts for research, documentation, and production.
Memorandum of Agreement
- The Cultural Center of the Philippines must formalize arrangements with the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company within 30 days of the law's effectivity, adhering to existing regulations.
Additional National Folk Dance Companies
- The President, on the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports' recommendation, may designate more national folk dance companies with equivalent privileges.
Appropriation of Funds
- Initial allocation of ₱5,000,000 is provided to support the company's roles.
- Subsequent funding to be included in the General Appropriations Act annually.
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- If any part is declared invalid, unaffected provisions remain effective.
- Existing laws inconsistent with this Act are repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.