By Genalyn Kabiling The “National Performing Arts Companies Act” has been signed into law by President Duterte. President Rodrigo Roa (ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Republic Act No. 11392 establishes a framework for the selection of National Performing Arts Companies, designating the performing arts genres, and appropriating the appropriate funds. The designated National Performing Arts Companies are the National Ballet/Contemporary Dance Company, National Theater Company, National Orchestra, and National Indigenous Performing Ensemble. Under the law, P10 million will be allocated a year each for the National Ballet/Contemporary Dance Company, the National Theater Company, and the National Orchestra for a period of five years. At least P5 million will be set aside for the National Choral Company and the National Indigenous Performing Ensemble for five years. A national performing arts company must undertake program of training and education for the professional development of performing artists, teachers, directors, designers, performing arts mangers, and other artists; conduct research and undertake documentation of activities and programs for preservation and dissemination of Filipino masterpieces in the performing acts; organize and present a regular annual season of performances at the Cultural Center of the Philippines; develop and build a repertoire of original Filipino works; and maintain and promote a standard of artistic excellence. The company must also conduct national outreach and exchange program of performances, workshops and seminars; undertake international outreach program as Philippine cultural ambassadors and perform during state functions for visiting dignitaries; conduct continuing audience development program and help promote greater awareness and appreciation of performing arts; and maintain a viable and sustainable performing arts organization and help a set of standard for effective and efficient performing arts management. The National Performing Arts Companies shall be entitled to free and equitable use of government facilities and cultural venues; access to grants for research, documentation, workshops, training and audience development programs; and intellectual property rights to work, choreographs and other artistic creations. Any donation, contribution, bequest and grant made to these performing arts companies shall be exempt from donor's tax and will be considered as allowable deduction from the gross income of the donor. The law, signed by the President last August 22, will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper.