THE HOUSE of Representatives has approved a measure designating the National Music Competitions for Young Artists as the National Youth Development Program for Music.

Voting 201-0, the lawmakers approved on 3rd and final reading House Bill 10051 or the proposed National Music Competitions for Young Artists Act.

The measure is a substitute bill for House Bill 5174 introduced by Rep. Eric Olivarez and House Bill 7817 authored by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.

The measure encourages young artists who excel in music competition and performance to preserve, develop and promote Philippine music as an art.

It also mandates the Cultural Center of the Philippines to provide financial support, office space and free use of venues and facilities for NMCYA-organized competitions, festivals, productions, and performances.

Aside from financial assistance from the CCP, the bill appropriates P50 million for NMCYA-related activities.

The measure also mandates the National Commission for the Arts and Culture to also provide financial, technical, scholarship and research assistance.

Under the measure, the Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Commission on Higher Education will help identify, select and train participants in different levels.

The NAMCYA was launched in 1973 under Presidential Proclamation 1173, which declares the period of November 26 to December 2 as National Week for Young Artists.

It aims to develop and upgrade the skills of performers, conductors, students and teachers through music classes and workshops.