Guidelines on foreign artists out

Immigration Commissioner Andrea Domingo issued yesterday a policy regulating the entry into the Philippines of foreign artists to protect local talents and performers.

Domingo also said that she has forged an agreement with the Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino (AMP) and the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) which provides for the strict screening and proper accreditation of foreign singers and instrumentalists who want to make a living in the Philippines.

The agreement was signed by Domingo and Mitch Valdez and Lorenzo Ilustre, president and vice president, respectively, of the OPM and AMP.

Domingo said the agreement aims to protect the interest of Filipino musicians who are often robbed of livelihood opportunities because of the proliferation of musicians from abroad.

Under the agreement, the OPM and AMP will coordinate with local and foreign producers intending to bring in foreign musicians to the Philippines to inform them of the immigration bureau’s visa requirements.

The two groups will also evaluate the nature of the musical event where a foreigner or foreigners shall perform and determine the manner of application of the "equity programs of the OPM and AMP."– Rey Arquiza