Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

First Regular Session
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

HOUSE BILL NO. 4260

~~ Introduced by Rep. Antonio F. Lagdameo, Jr. and
Rep. Roman T. Romulo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Dance is truly one of our nation’s greatest gifts and passions. We see this in its
many forms: as community activities- such as in street dance, parades in fiestas, on
local television, and in the rich folk dance repertoire from across our islands

The Philippines is also home to South East Asia's longest running dance
repertory. Ballet Philippines was founded by Alice Reyes and Eddie Elejar; and for the
past 41 years, it has reaped international and local acclaim. As the Philippines’ oldest
professional company, Ballet Philippines is the acknowledged premiere dance company
of the country, sweeping local awards and performing in many local and international
artistic and diplomatic events.

Its dancers and choreographers have won many awards and continue to bring
the country recognition and honor. It has also produced the highest number of dancers
performing in international companies. Today former members continue to perform in
Hong Kong, Vienna, Germany, Macau and the US for diverse companies such as the
famed Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan, the Het National Ballet of Netherlands and
even in productions of Disney and Cirque de Soliel.

After 41 years as a resident company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines,
where it has the distinction of being the first company named as such in 1976, we
believe the company and its programs have proven its integrity and continued relevance.

By naming Ballet Philippines as a National Ballet Company we will be affirming
its legacy to Philippine dance as a learning institution, producer and treasury of original
Filipino creative work in dance and music.

This is the opportune time to bring this to national attention. In view of the
foregoing, this bill is urgently sought

ecry BE Rt

ANTONIO F. LAGDAMEO, JR. ROMAN T. ROMULO



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4260
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Antonio F. Lagdameo, Jr. and
Rep. Roman T. Romulo _

AN ACT
DESIGNATING BALLET PHILIPPINES AS THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL
BALLET COMPANY, DEFINING ITS ROLE AND FUNCTIONS AS SUCH,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled

Section 1. Title. This Act shall be known as The Ballet Philippines Act
of 2011

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. — Pursuant to Article Il,
Sections 17 and 23, and Article XIV, Sections 14, 15 and 18(2) of the
Philippine Constitution, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to
appropriately recognize, designate and support nongovernment organizations
that have demonstrated pioneering, long, consistent and unassailable
competence, effectiveness and success in the development, training,
documentation and performance of Philippine Ballet and contemporary dance,
with dance works and artists that have won and continue to win national as
well as international validity, recognition, acceptance and renown.

Section 3. Designation as the Philippine National Ballet Company.
- Ballet Philippines is hereby designated as the Philippine National Ballet
Company, in recognition of its having fulfilled the norms of the above-cited
national policy, and having satisfied the following criteria

(a) _ Itis national in scope. It tackles and presents the arts, culture,
traditions, issues and concems of the nation and it draws the
best artists from all over the country.

(b) It is the best in its field in the country. It has maintained the
highest standard of excellence, manifested in the quality of its
production, artists, artistic staff, activities and products.

(©) It is world-class, having represented the country in numerous
touring engagements, festivals, competitions and international
events and having been acclaimed by foreign audiences and
ctitics alike; and


(d)

It has a track record artistically; has a regular and continuing set
of activities in pursvit of its mission; and was able to maintain a
viable and sustainable organization to support its programs.

Section 4. Role and Functions. - As the Philippine National Ballet
Company, Ballet Philippines discharge the following roles and functions:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)
(fh)

Undertake a continuing program of training, performance
research and documentation of International and Philippine
dance culture and history with emphasis on classical, modern
and contemporary ballet technique, pedagogy and repertoire
and their accompanying music and sets. The program will
constitute the development of dancers, teachers, collaborating
artists and choreographers for the enrichment of the dancers,
music, dances and costumes suitable for staging as part of the
Ballet Philippines repertoire for national as well as international
performances.

Document the training, performances and research and its
results as books, publications, audiotapes, videocassettes,
compact discs, and other forms of media or mass distribution
intended for schools and the public, thereby sharing the output
of the program with all Filipinos as well as. international
audiences.

Develop a pool of ballet dance masters responsible for
recruiting, training and maintaining a permanent corps of
dancers whose sole function is to implement a national dance
season and outreach program to transfer the culture and the art
through workshops, seminars and dance clinics, open to
talented Filipinos all over the country;

Develop and maintain a world-class professional dance
company to perform during state visits and other state occasions
and events, both in the Philippines and abroad;

Develop a scholarship program open to and supporting talented
Filipinos in dance from all over the country;

To conduct fund raising projects such as events, benefit shows
and other activities to further support other Ballet projects; and

Section 5. Entitlement. - Ballet Philippines as the Philippine National
Ballet Dance Company shall be entitled to the following

(a)

(b)
()

Free use of theater facilities at the Cultural Center of the
Philippines for performances and stage rehearsals up to 40
performances a year;

Free use of office space, rehearsal studios, production and
technical facilities at the Cultural Center of the Philippines:
Project grants for research, documentation, new choreography,
and/or production from the National Commission on Culture and
Arts.


Section 6. Memorandum of Agreement. - Within thirty (30) days
upon effectivity of this Act, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, shall execute
the necessary arrangements with Ballet Philippines in accordance with
existing laws, rules and regulations.

Section 7. Appropriation of Funds. - The amount of Ten Million
Pesos (P10, 000,000.00) is hereby appropriated to support the roles and
functions stated in Section 4 of this Act for the first year of its implementation.
Thereafter, such amount, and such sums necessary to sustain the
implementation of this Act, shall be sourced from the annual earnings of the
Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)

Section 8, Separabilty Clause. - If for any reason, any part of the
provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts
or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules and regulations,
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or amended
accordingly

Section 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,