Members Of Cebu Music Community Submit Proposal Paper On Bisaya Song Ordinance
While the existing ordinance focuses on promoting and empowering Bisaya music and artists, stakeholders have created a proposal paper to further address the needs of Cebu’s growing music scene.
Courtesy of Joel Garganera – Panday
Courtesy of Joel Garganera – Panday
Last March 22, 2025, members of the Cebu Music Community submitted a proposal paper to further supplement the implementation of the existing Bisaya Music Preservation and Promotion Ordinance that was first established last March 5, targeted to preserve and further promote Bisaya music and artists.
The existing ordinance mandates establishments to allocate 30% of their background music to Bisaya songs and funding promotional efforts – nevertheless, music community stakeholders argue that the ordinance falls short of addressing the real needs of Cebu’s growing music scene.
As such, these stakeholders urged a budget allocation from the local government of Php. 5 million, along with the following proposals; (1) the establishment of a music export office, (2) investment in live music venues and event spaces, (3) improvement to access of public funding, and lastly, (4) the creation of a more inclusive consultative body.
With this in mind, the stakeholders seek out an active and meaningful collaboration with the policymakers in crafting a more sustainable and effective approach in empowering and giving platform to local artists and music.
