BICOL Saro Party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has pushed for the passage of a bill that would grant cash incentives to creative industry workers such as filmmakers, literary writers and other performers who will win major awards in international competitions.
Under House Bill (HB) 1934, which he co-authored, a P1 million cash grant will be given to artists who have garnered the highest award in film festivals, exhibitions, and other prestigious contests.
Also, the bill seeks to grant P500,000 in cash to artists who will be given special recognition in similar international competitions.
Yamsuan said the grant of incentives not only “shows our gratitude for the fame and honor that they have brought to our country, but also aims to motivate them and other artistic creators to continue honing their craft.”
He also said that exhibitions promoting Filipino films, such as the Metro Manila Film Festival, could serve as venues for thought-provoking artistic creations worthy of being presented as competition entries in international award-giving bodies.
“Our creative industry is brimming with talent. But during these difficult times, it faces many challenges that discourage creators from producing works that truly reflect their artistic vision. Recognizing the international acclaim they have received through incentives could help reinvigorate the creative industry and promote its growth,” Yamsuan said.
Yamsuan added that the measure complements the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, which aims to accelerate the development of the creative industry and make it globally competitive by providing institutionalized support from the government.
“Notable and prestigious competitions” under HB 1934 refer to those “that have given recognition and awards to artistic works for the last five years and are well-known for their international profile, audience size, and the quality and breadth of their competition, festival or exhibition.
Furthermore, the bill mandates the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to determine these “notable and prestigious competitions” that include but are not limited to, film festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival, to name a few.
Funding for the bill will be charged under the National Endowment for Culture and the Arts established under Section 50 of Republic Act 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act, subject to existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and regulations. RED MENDOZA
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