Hon. Jose Perez describes the proposed ordinance as a measure ‘seeking to establish a comprehensive welfare program for artists and cultural workers in Naga City, creating the Naga City Cultural Affairs and Arts Promotions Office, and providing government investments for their welfare, development, and protection, to be known as the “Comprehensive Artists and Cultural Workers Welfare Ordinance of Naga City.”
‘As Chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Arts and Culture and author of the aforementioned proposed Ordinance, this humble Representation would like to solicit your opinion, assessment, critical scrutiny, and input that you would like to add and/or incorporate into this piece of legislative proposal, as well as indicate provisions that you would like to improve or delete altogether, so that we can come up with a more comprehensive and inclusive document that will embody our aspirations, advocacies, and goals for the protection and welfare of the artists and the cultural workers, and help in the honing and promotion of our crafts in our place called the “Maogmang Lugar.”’
Councilor Perez heads the Sangguniang Committee on Culture and the Arts.
Highlights:
- The Naga City Cultural Affairs and Arts Promotions Office (NCCAPO) shall be a division-level unit under the City Mayor’s Office, with the following operational sections:
- Culture and Arts Development Section
- Welfare and Support Section
- Cultural Heritage Preservation
- Capacity Building and Training Section
- Establishment of the Naga City Artists Registry
- Establishment of the Naga City Culture and Arts Council, with the following Committees and Sub-committees
- Arts Committee
- Film
- Dance
- Visual Arts
- Architecture
- Allied Arts
- Cultural Heritage
- Museums, Libraries and Archives
- Art Galleries
- Tour Groups
- Gastronomy
- Cultural Dessimination
- Cultural and Historical Education
- Language and Translation
- Publishing and Communication Arts
- Arts Committee
SUMMARY: Comprehensive Artist and Cultural Workers Welfare Ordinance
(NB8_2024-1344 by Hon. Perez)
This ordinance seeks to uplift, protect, and provide institutional support for artists and cultural workers in Naga City. It recognizes their contributions to the city’s cultural heritage, tourism, and economy, ensuring they receive adequate social benefits, financial assistance, and professional opportunities.
I. Declaration of Policy
The ordinance affirms the city government’s commitment to:
- Recognizing artists and cultural workers as key contributors to the city’s identity and development.
- Ensuring fair treatment, financial stability, and welfare benefits for those in the creative sector.
- Encouraging the growth of arts and culture through funding, grants, and education.
II. Definition of Artists & Cultural Workers
Artists and cultural workers include individuals involved in:
- Visual arts (painters, sculptors, photographers, graphic designers)
- Performing arts (musicians, dancers, actors, theater practitioners)
- Literary arts (writers, poets, playwrights)
- Film & media (filmmakers, editors, directors, screenwriters)
- Heritage & traditional arts (craftsmen, indigenous artists, historians, archivists)
The ordinance also covers art administrators, curators, educators, and cultural researchers.
III. Rights & Welfare Programs for Artists
- Social Security & Healthcare Coverage
- Access to PhilHealth, SSS, Pag-IBIG, and other social benefits.
- Special assistance programs for elderly, disabled, and low-income artists.
- Financial Support & Grants
- City-funded subsidies, scholarships, and project-based grants.
- Emergency financial assistance for struggling artists.
- Employment & Fair Compensation
- Artists must be provided fair contracts, decent wages, and protection from exploitation.
- Government projects must prioritize hiring local artists and ensure proper payment.
- Livelihood & Business Opportunities
- Support for artist-run enterprises, galleries, performance spaces, and workshops.
- Incentives for businesses that support or employ local artists.
- Institutional & Legal Protection
- Artists are given intellectual property protection and copyright assistance.
- Local government intervention in cases of unfair treatment or unpaid work.
IV. Establishment of the Cultural Workers Welfare Council (CWWC)
- A special governing body will be created to oversee the implementation of this ordinance.
- The CWWC will be composed of:
- Representatives from the local government
- Members of artists’ organizations and cultural groups
- Experts in law, business, and education
- Responsibilities of the CWWC include:
- Managing funding programs for artists.
- Recommending policy improvements.
- Resolving artist-related disputes.
V. Cultural Development Programs
- Establishing artist-in-residence programs and local cultural hubs.
- Funding arts festivals, exhibits, workshops, and competitions.
- Supporting traditional and indigenous artists through preservation programs.
VI. Budget Allocation & Funding Sources
- The city will allocate a specific budget for cultural workers’ welfare.
- Funding sources include:
- Local government funds.
- Partnerships with private sectors, NGOs, and cultural institutions.
- Donations and sponsorships from individuals or businesses.
VII. Implementation & Monitoring
- The CWWC will be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the programs.
- The ordinance will be reviewed every three years to ensure it meets the needs of artists.
- Violations (such as unpaid work, discrimination, or exploitation of artists) will be subject to penalties.
VIII. Expected Impact
- Greater financial security and support for artists.
- Stronger local arts and cultural industry through government and private collaborations.
- Enhanced protection of traditional and indigenous culture.
- Fair labor conditions and professionalization of the arts sector.
This ordinance represents a major step in institutionalizing support for artists and cultural workers in Naga City, ensuring they receive the recognition, protection, and opportunities they deserve.