Balaba mulls ordinance for playing of bisaya music in public establishments

TO uphold cultural preservation, strengthen community identity, and boost local economic development, Councilor Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba has filed a proposed ordinance mandating public establishments in the city to play Visayan music regularly.

During the second regular session of the 21st City Council, Councilor Balaba emphasized the power of music as a universal language and cultural tool that transcends differences.

She, however, expressed concern that many Filipinos have grown up listening predominantly to English-language songs, often at the expense of local Filipino and even more so, Visayan music.

“It’s a sad reality that we have so many local artists who are still struggling to be heard, and a rich culture and language that remain one thing to be celebrated and appreciated,” Balaba stated.

To address this, the councilor proposed an ordinance requiring public establishments such as radio stations, hotels, malls, and souvenir shops to allot at least 30 percent of their daily playlist to Visayan music. The move is modeled after a similar policy implemented in Cebu City.

It may be recalled that, in 2023, VM Bebot also filed a proposed ordinance titled “Original Kagay-an Music”, aiming to promote and support local artists composing music in Cebuano, Kagay-an, Filipino, and English. The ordinance also seeks to engage media outlets in providing broadcast and airplay support for locally produced music.

Balaba believes that this move will empower local artists, stimulating tourism, encouraging intergenerational understanding, and fostering a stronger sense of cultural identity.

“Ang musika nga atong madungog sa atong kaugalingong pinulongan will give us a sense of ownership, a sense of belonging, and a sense of pride,” she said.

“If we could learn to understand and appreciate our rich culture and heritage through music, then we can truly dream of a community, a city, and a country where love and respect reign in our hearts,” Balaba added.

The proposed ordinance has been referred to the committee on tourism, which is also chaired by Councilor Balaba, for further study and deliberation.

She concluded with a call to unity and pride in local heritage: “We would like to build a community and a city that our people can say, ‘Atoa ni. Garbo nako nga ako usa ka Bisaya.’” (JAO/SP)