Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for in-person graduation, citing that if political rallies are allowed, then it’s time to also allow these ceremonies.
The National Capital Region and 38 other areas shifted to Alert Level 1 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Gatchalian emphasized that for both parents and students, graduation ceremonies are once-in-a-lifetime moments. Considering the eased restrictions and the country’s improving situation.
The lawmaker took note, however, that public health protocols should still be observed to avoid turning these ceremonies into superspreader events.
Under Alert Level 1 which is the lowest level of health restrictions, workplaces, establishments, and government offices may operate at 100 percent capacity. Public transportation is also allowed to operate at full capacity. Individuals 18 years old and above, however, will be required to present proof of full vaccination before participating in mass gatherings such as meetings, conferences, and exhibition events.
In April 2020, amid the prolonged imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon and other parts of the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) indefinitely postponed graduation and moving up ceremonies. For School Year 2020-2021, the DepEd did not allow face-to-face graduation and moving up rites to protect the health of learners, teachers, personnel, and parents.
Senator Sonny Angara meanwhile is pushing for the grant of cash incentives to Filipino artists who win awards internationally to encourage the development of the arts sector and provide the Philippines with even more recognition.
For those who bring home the highest awards in international competitions, film festivals or exhibitions determined by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the bill calls for the grant of P1 million as cash incentive.
The bill also provides for a P500,000 cash incentive to those who garnered special recognition or any other award that is not considered as the highest award in an international competition or exhibition.
As a strong supporter of the arts, just like his father, the late Senate President Edgardo Angara before him, Angara noted how Filipino artists have been showcasing their skill and creativity to the world and in the process, helping to raise the awareness of the international community to the wealth of talent that is in the country.
Among the more recent awardees are actor John Arcilla who won the Coppi Volpi for “Best Actor” award at the 78th Venice Film Festival; director Diane Paragas, whose film Yellow Rose won the 2019 Reel Asian Best Feature Film award in the Toronto International Film Festival; vocalists Marlon Macabaya and Denise Melanie Du Lagrosa, who won first and second place respectively at the Stars of Albion Grand Prix 2019 in London; and painter Worth Lodriga, who as a seven year-old, won first place at the 2017 Student Mars Art Contest in the United States.
In order to provide additional support to Filipino filmmakers, film production entities, literary writers, artists and performers in the creative sector who have received honors in internationally, Angara has filed Senate Bill 2466 or the Artists Incentives Act of 2021.
For those who bring home the highest awards in international competitions, film festivals or exhibitions determined by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the bill calls for the grant of P1 million as cash incentive.
The bill also provides for a P500,000 cash incentive to those who garnered special recognition or any other award that is not considered as the highest award in an international competition or exhibition.
“We have so many talented artists here in the country and many of them have yet to showcase their work at a larger stage. By providing these cash incentives we are giving them the motivation to work even harder so that they can reach their full potential and make a name for themselves, not only here, but also in the international arena,” Angara said.
“Over the years we have seen many Filipino artists gain recognition in some of the most prestigious events in the world.
Their accomplishments coupled with these proposed incentives could serve as an inspiration to our brilliant members of the creatives, entertainment, arts and literary sectors to produce even more award winning works,” Angara added.
Examples of the competitions and exhibitions that are included in the scope of the bill are the Festival de Cannes, Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, New York Film Festival, and the Busan International Film Festival.
Angara explained that these events should be in existence for at least five years and are known for their international profile, audience size and the quality and breadth for their competition, festival or exhibition.
Funding for the bill will come from the National Endowment for Culture and the Arts established under Section 50 of Republic Act 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.