Sen. Marcos Bats For Stronger Gov't Support For Culture And The Arts

Vice Presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr., on Monday pushed for a stronger, institutionalized government support for culture and the arts, including the film and entertainment industry.

Marcos reiterated his commitment to help in the promotion of the country's culture and the arts during a luncheon meeting with members of the entertainment press at Annabel's Restaurant in Quezon City.

"Nakakapanghinayang na 'yung mga na-develop at nasimulan sa iba't ibang Administrasyon ay hindi na tinutuloy tuwing may bagong nagpapalakad sa gobyerno. Sana meron talagang institutionalized support para sa culture and arts," Marcos lamented.

"Sa ganitong paraan makakasiguro na patuloy na isusulong ang mga programa para sa pag-unlad ng sining at kultura sa bansa kahit magpalit ang mga namumuno," Marcos said.

"It needs a commitment from the government to encourage the recognition, the study and the development of our cultural heritage," he added.

For the film industry, Marcos suggests the adoption of a policy similar to the funding grants and tax incentive provided for the independent filmmakers in the United States.

He believes programs like the Experimental Cinema in the 70's and the early 80's, which helped usher what is touted as the second-golden age of Philippine Cinema, can help develop new talents and promote better quality of Filipino films.

During the same period, Filipino visual arts, music and architecture flourished due to strong government support.

Marcos believes government support for the arts, including the entertainment industry is well worth the investment.

"It is an important part of our culture. Our culture is an important part of our identity. And our identity is an extremely important part of nation-building," Marcos stressed.

Accompanying the Senator in meeting with the entertainment media press were his wife Liza and eldest son Sandro.