Controversial bill to name 'national' folk dance company in Philippines.

MANILA--A congressional bill to name the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company as the country's national folk dance company has resulted in controversy in Manila. Opposing the bill was the Dance Committee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) which, in a position paper, called the establishment of a national dance company "a most injudicious and injurious hegemonic move against the creative nature and future of Philippine dance." The bill, written by Congressman Miguel L. Romeo, was signed by both House and Senate, and received President's Miguel V. Ramos's approval in April.

In addition to the prestige of the national label, the bill provides Bayanihan with privileges such as "free use of office space, rehearsals, production and technical facilities at the Cultural Center of the Philippines," as well as a payment of five million Philippine pesos. Amendments allow for the naming of other national folk dance companies, although the bill's title remains specific to the Bayanihan. Other national companies would have to be recommended by the Secretary of Education, Culture, and Sports.

According to the bill, the Bayanihan was selected because of its pioneering role in presenting and researching Philippine folk dance. The company burst upon the international scene in 1958 with performances at the Brussels Exposition and has since toured worldwide. However, following the death of its first artistic director, Jose Iardizabal, accusations have been made that the choreography no longer honestly represents the cultures of peoples of different regions. The bill does not quote reviews beyond 1973 to back up its recommendation of Bayanihan as the national company.

The Bayanihan paved the way for the emergence of other folk dance groups, many of which object to the exclusivity of the bill. They, and the NCCA, fear that the bill will place Bayanihan above other companies in patronage and promotion.

Ramon Obusan, originally a dancer with the Bayanihan, formed his own company, dedicated to carrying out folk research so that the choreography remains faithful to the original sources. He objects to the bill, as do award-winning groups like the Leyte Kalipayan Folk Dance Company and the University of the Philippines Alumni Dance Company.