Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
DECLARING OCTOBER 4 OF EVERY YEAR AS 
THE PINOY HIP-HOP DAY 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The culture of hip-hop in the Philippines is said to be the oldest and 
most established in Southeast Asia, and possibly the entire Asian continent, 
since the 1980s1. In fact, rap music in the Philippines has been released and 
continue to thrive in different languages or dialects such as Tagalog, Bicolano, 
Chavacano, Cebuano, Ilocano, and English. 
One of the most notable and influential persons in the Philippine hip-
hop scene and local rap community, having been one the first to release 
mainstream rap albums, is Francis Magalona, also known as “Francis M”. He 
is regarded as the most important icon of Pinoy Hip-Hop and is known as “The 
King of Pinoy Rap”.2 
In 1990, Francis Magalona broke ground in the Philippine music 
industry with his iconic chart-topping hit track, “Mga Kababayan” which 
became instrumental in introducing Pinoy Rap and Hip-Hop culture to the 
masses. 
However, in 2009, Francis Magalona passed away due to the acute 
myelogenous leukemia. With his great legacy and contribution to Pinoy Hip-
Hop, Magalona was awarded a posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit by 
then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. 
1 HipHopPH. “History of Pinoy Hip-Hop” http://hiphop.ph/about/history/ (Accessed Online 9 September 2022) 
2 HipHopPH. “Francis M.” http://hiphop.ph/database/e-h/francis-m/ (Accessed Online 9 September 2022) 
September 12, 2022
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The award’s citation noted that it had been granted “for his musical and 
artistic brilliance, his deep faith in the Filipino and his sense of national pride 
that continue to inspire us.” 
 
 
Ever since, Pinoy hip-hop as a genre of Original Filipino Music (OPM) 
continue to thrive. As it continues to evolve, from old school to beatboxing 
to FlipTop battles, whether it be in the underground scene or mainstream 
arena, Pinoy hip-hop along with our local hip-hop artists shall be 
celebrated for honing local talents and contributing to nation-building. 
 
 
This bill seeks to recognize Pinoy hip-hop and its rich contributions 
to Filipino culture and identity by declaring October 4, the birth date of 
legendary Pinoy hip-hop icon Francis Magalona, of every year as the Pinoy 
Hip-Hop Day. It is the hope of this measure to further support and enrich 
local talents while raising awareness on the meaningful and nationalistic 
significance of Pinoy hip-hop. 
 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought.  
 
 
 
REP. PM VARGAS   
 
Fifth District, Quezon City 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
DECLARING OCTOBER 4 OF EVERY YEAR AS 
THE PINOY HIP-HOP DAY 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Pinoy Hip-Hop 
Day Act". 
SECTION 2. Pinoy Hip-Hop Day. – October 4 of every year is hereby declared 
as Pinoy Hip-Hop Day to be observed in the entire country to commemorate 
the rich, meaningful, and nationalistic significance of Pinoy hip-hop in our 
arts, culture, and identity. 
SECTION 3. Lead Agency. – The National Commission for Culture and the 
Arts (NCCA), through the National Committee on Music (NCMusic), as the 
lead, in coordination with other relevant government agencies, are mandated 
to conduct activities and programs that promote and enrich the talents of 
Pinoy hip-hop artists for their significant contribution in Filipino arts, culture, 
and identity. 
SECTION 4. Non-Impairment Clause. – Nothing in this Act shall be 
construed as to diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or 
made available to disadvantaged, marginalized, or specific sectors under 
existing laws. 
SECTION 5. Separability Clause. – If any portion or provision of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not 
affected thereby shall remain in force and effect. 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SECTION 7. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,