Bill making music competition a national program hurdles committee level
Three committees in the House of Representatives approved on Monday, May 10, a bill seeking to promote Philippine music and develop Filipino musical talents.

House Bill No. 7817 has been endorsed by the House committees on sports and development; appropriations; and ways and means.
The bill specifically proposes to designate the annual National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NMCYA) as the National Youth Development Program for Music, and provide funds for it.
Its author, Cagayan de Oro representative and House Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez said this would "encourage young artists who excel in music competition and performance to preserve, develop and promote Philippine music as an art."
“It also aims to discover young artists in the field of choral singing, piano, chamber music, family ensemble, and indigenous instruments,” he added.
The bill mandates the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to provide financial support, office space and free use of venues and facilities for NMCYA-organized competitions, festivals, productions, and performances.
Aside from CCP financial assistance, the bill appropriates P50 million for NMCYA-related activities.
Rodriguez said financial, technical, scholarship, and research assistance would also come from the National Commission for the Arts and Culture.
The Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) are also mandated to help in the identification, selection and training of participants in different levels. State colleges and universities are to provide free use of facilities.
Meanwhile, government corporations and the private sector are encouraged to donate to finance NMCYA activities. The donations would be exempt from donor’s tax and may be deducted from gross income, Rodriguez said.
The NAMCYA was launched in 1973 under Presidential Proclamation No. 1173, which declares the period of November 26 to December 2 as National Week for Young Artists.
The annual national competitions include group performances and solo performances.
The NAMCYA aims to develop and upgrade the skills of performers, conductors, students and teachers through music classes and workshops.