A GROUP of lawmakers in the House of Representatives is pushing for a bill mandating the creation of a council that will promote the development of the music industry in the Philippines.

Now pending before the Committee on Basic Education and Culture is House Bill 7563 or the proposed Philippine Music Industry Act of 2020.

The group composed of 24 congressmen stressed that it is a policy of the State to recognize, protect, and promote the country’s artistic and cultural heritage expressed in any form or types of music.

“Filipino music permeates the Filipino way of life and culture like no other form of artistic expression. Our daily lives are not complete without music,” the lawmakers noted.

Under the bill, a Music Development Council of the Philippines will be created to craft and implement a National Music Development Plan, as well as to develop and promote programs to enhance the talent and skills of artists and various stakeholders.

The council is also mandated to coordinate with the Department of Education for the improvement of the state and quality of music education as part of Music, Art, Physical Education and Health in the K to 12 system.

Also, the council will establish and maintain a registry of music schools or similar institutions providing musical instruction.

Once enacted into law, the Council will be given P150 million initial funding for its operations.