Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
20th Congress 
First Regular Session 
 
 House Bill No. 675 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE EMIGDIO P. TANJUATCO III 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
With culture and the arts at the core of our national identity, it is the policy of the State 
to preserve and develop Filipino culture. Arts and culture express a people’s collective 
memory, values, and imagination. In the Philippines, this expression is seen through 
a vibrant mosaic of indigenous traditions, languages, crafts, music, literature, and 
performing arts. Yet, despite its richness, Filipino culture faces growing threats from 
globalization, rapid urban development, and insufficient public investment.  
To safeguard our legacy, this bill seeks to establish a National Endowment Fund for 
Culture and the Arts - a permanent and strategic mechanism for sustaining and 
revitalizing the country’s cultural life. To be sourced from corporations that enter into 
endorsement contracts with foreign personalities, this undertaking not only allows for 
sustainable and independent cultural funding, but also provides local artists extra 
leverage against their foreign counterparts. 
If properly managed, a robust endowment would also play a critical role in enhancing 
cultural education and public participation. Fund initiatives could foster cultural literacy, 
creativity, and civic engagement, particularly among the youth, and contribute to 
building culturally cohesive and resilient communities.  
Furthermore,  Filipino culture, when showcased through high-quality productions and 
international exchanges, has the power to foster global understanding and 
appreciation. Philippine participation in international exhibitions, performances, and 
artist residencies would not only boost the country’s global profile but also create new 
avenues for cultural exports and partnerships. 
Finally, the cultural and creative industries are vital sectors that contribute significantly 
to employment, innovation, and tourism. Cultural promotion and a successful creative 
industry would drive economic activity, even in underserved and rural areas. It would 
align with global trends recognizing the economic potential of the creative sector as a 
driver of sustainable development. 
July 1, 2025
8:00 am


The establishment of a National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts is a 
visionary, strategic, and necessary step for the Philippines. It reflects a profound 
commitment to cultural sovereignty, national unity, and inclusive development. More 
than a funding mechanism, it is an investment in the soul of the nation—one that will 
preserve the richness of Filipino heritage, empower the country’s creative forces, and 
inspire future generations. 
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
EMIGDIO P. TANJUATCO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
20th Congress 
First Regular Session 
 
 House Bill No. 675 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE EMIGDIO P. TANJUATCO III 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING THE MANDATORY CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT 
FUND FOR CULTURE AND ARTS BY PRIVATE ENTITIES ENGAGING THE SERVICES 
OF FOREIGN PERSONALITIES AS ENDORSERS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7356 ENTITLED, “AN ACT CREATING THE NATIONAL 
COMMISSION FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS, ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL 
ENDOWMENT FUND FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Amendatory Provision. Section 20 of Republic Act No. 7356 entitled, “An Act 
Creating the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Establishing The National 
Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts, and for Other Purposes,” is hereby amended to 
read as follows: 
“Sec. 20. The National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts. A National 
Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (the Fund) is hereby established 
exclusively for Philippine art and cultural programs, projects, and activities all over 
the country. 
“x x x” 
c) The private portion of the fund shall be raised from the MANDATORY
CONTRIBUTIONS OF CORPORATIONS THAT ENTER INTO ENDORSEMENT
CONTRACTS WITH FOREIGN PERSONALITIES EQUIVALENT TO FIVE
PERCENT (5)% OF THE CONTRACT AMOUNT, AS WELL AS donations and
other conveyances including funds, materials, property, and services, by gratuitous
title;
“x x x.” 
Sec. 2. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
Approved,