BY PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA – Sen. Loren Legarda is pushing for the creation of a Department of Culture aimed at strengthening and protecting Philippine arts and culture.
Her Senate Bill 2208 directs the department to run at least 12 agencies, among others the National Endowment Fund for Culture and Arts, National Library of the Philippines, Cultural Center of the Philippines, and Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Five bureaus focusing on cultural protection and regulation, and education and training will also be established under the Department of Culture, the proposed law said.
Legarda said her proposal will ensure that the country’s natural and cultural heritage will be “rightfully passed on to succeeding generations.”
“Culture is a nation’s DNA. It is responsible for shaping judgments, ethics and behaviors,” said Legarda, also the chair of the Senate committee on cultural communities.
Legarda said there is a need for a separate public body on culture because “(culture) is a vital component in triggering economic and intellectual vitality in city centers and towns throughout the country.”
Under the measure, the functions of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts will be transferred to the National Endowment for Culture and Arts.
Section 6 of the bill provides that, the Department of Culture shall be headed by a Secretary, two Undersecretaries, and four Assistance Secretaries./PN
