Cebu turns up the volume on culture as Bisaya songs take center stage in public spaces, giving local music the spotlight it deserves.
Cebu City’s new ordinance is a significant step towards preserving culture by implementing Ordinance 2780, which requires public establishments to allocate at least 30% of their daily background music to Bisaya songs. The new law was passed on June 25, 2025, as it applies to malls, restaurants, hotels, markets, and transportation hubs. These offer participating businesses incentives like tax reductions. This aims to strengthen Cebuano identity while supporting local musicians and promoting the region’s rich musical heritage in Vispop and Bisrock genres.
Backtrack to the Beat
The ordinance was proposed by Councilor Joel Garganera, the head of Cebu City’s Heritage Preservation and Conservation Committee. Garganera emphasized that the policy serves a dual purpose, ensuring the safeguarding of Cebu’s cultural legacy while creating more opportunities for Bisaya artists.
B-Sides You Need to Hear
The ordinance has been welcomed as a positive step in the Bisaya music industry, but the members of this community have called for additional support measures. In a position paper submitted in the late March, local artists and industry professionals recommended redirecting portions of the allocated P5 million budget toward a more impactful initiatives that includes establishing dedicated music venues, improving artist access to government grants, creating music export promotion office, and forming a more representative advisory body for cultural policies.
Soft Launch, Strong Impact
Despite the proposals, the council ultimately approved the original version of the ordinance, which opts for an incentive-based approach rather than a punitive measure for non-compliance. The decision reflects the government’s preference for encouraging voluntary participation through benefits, such as tax reductions, rather than reinforcing penalties. The supporter highlights the potential benefits of the ordinance in terms of economic and cultural advantages. By increasing airplay for Bisaya music, the policy could generate substantial royalty payments for local artists. Tourism officials anticipate the musical initiative will enhance visitor experiences and differentiate Cebu from other destinations. The ordinance may also spur the development of new cultural events and festivals centered on Bisaya music, creating additional performance opportunities and revenue streams for the creative sector.
Not Just Background Noise
However, some artists express reservations about the measure’s limitations. While acknowledging the value of increased exposure, many argue that true cultural revival requires more than background music. Others have pointed to successful models in other regions where music quotas were combined with substantial infrastructure investment and artist development programs.
Keeping the Beat Alive
As the ordinance takes effect, attention now turns to its implementation and potential expansion. Cultural advocates hope to see complementary programs emerge, such as live performance requirements, dedicated Bisaya music venues, and stronger mechanisms for artist participation in decision-making. The success of this cultural initiative depends on how it evolves to address both the symbolic and practical needs of Cebu’s music community.
This policy represents Cebu City’s ambitious effort to integrate cultural preservation, artistic empowerment, and economic development. By making Bisaya music an integral part of public spaces, the ordinance seeks to reinforce regional identity while creating new opportunities for local talent. As the program develops, it may serve as a model for other cities seeking to celebrate and sustain their unique cultural heritage through music.
