House panel eyes national performing groups for ballet, theater, choral singing

To further hone Filipino talents in the performing arts, a committee in the House of Representatives has proposed the creation of Philippine National Performing Arts Companies in fields such as ballet, theater and choral singing.

 

Manila Rep. Rosenda Ann Ocampo, vice-chairperson of the House committee on basic education and culture, said the creation of these performing arts companies seek to formally recognize civil society groups with pioneering initiatives in their fields.

 

The panel particularly proposed the creation of the following national performance groups: the National Ballet and Contemporary Company, the National Theater Company, the National Orchestra Company and the National Choral Company.

 

Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento, who heads the technical working group deliberating on the proposal, said these companies were conceived after several ballet groups opposed House Bill 4260, which seeks to declare Ballet Philippines as the National Ballet Company.

 

The House panel instead suggested that a 15-member committee be created to facilitate the selection of qualified performing arts companies in these fields. 

 

These groups shall be entitled to equal use of cultural venues and other government facilities, as well as an annual budget of up to P10 million, based on the House committee’s proposal.

 

The House panel shall create a substitute bill to contain these suggestions, and must approve the measure through a majority vote, before it can be sent to the plenary for debates. –KG, GMA News