Philippines DOT and PRM Ink Five-Year Deal for Discounted Music Licensing in Tourism Sector

New Framework for Legal Music Use in Tourism

The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) and Philippines Recorded Music Rights, Inc. (PRM) have entered into a strategic five-year agreement to streamline and subsidize music licensing for the tourism industry. Signed on 3 September 2026, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) provides DOT-accredited establishments with discounted rates for the commercial use of recorded music, including works produced within the Philippines.

The partnership remains valid until 1 June 2031. Its primary objective is to incentivize lawful compliance with intellectual property laws while simplifying the licensing process for business owners.

Aligning Hospitality with Intellectual Property Law

Under Republic Act No. 8293 (the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines), the public use of sound recordings and performances is protected. This agreement transforms a regulatory requirement into a cultural opportunity by making it financially viable for hotels, resorts, and restaurants to license music legally.

PRM, a registered Collective Management Organisation (CMO) accredited by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, will manage the administration and enforcement of these economic rights. This structure ensures that:

• Artists and producers receive fair recognition and payment for their work.
• Tourism operators avoid legal risks associated with unlicensed music use.
• The creative economy gains a steady revenue stream from commercial hospitality venues.

Integrating Filipino Culture into the Visitor Experience

Beyond the legal framework, the DOT is utilizing this agreement to strengthen the "Filipino Brand." By encouraging the use of local recordings in tourist hubs, the government aims to embed Filipino identity into the sensory experience of international travelers.

Music is being positioned as a primary tool for destination storytelling, complementing other cultural pillars such as heritage, festivals, and cuisine. This strategy transforms hotels and resorts into platforms for showcasing the nation's creative industries.

Leveraging Pop Culture for Destination Marketing

The shift toward music-led tourism is further evidenced by the DOT's appointment of global Filipino musical acts BINI and SB19 as Tourism Ambassadors earlier in 2026.

Because the music labels for both groups are members of PRM, their involvement creates a direct link between contemporary pop culture and the official tourism strategy. This approach targets younger, international demographics and presents a modern, culturally vibrant image of the Philippines.

Impact on the Creative Economy

The long-term nature of the deal—extending to 2031—allows for a sustained increase in compliance across the sector. By reducing the financial barrier to entry through discounted rates, the DOT expects a higher volume of establishments to formalize their licensing.

This creates a symbiotic relationship where tourism spending directly supports the livelihoods of musicians and sound recording producers, ensuring the sustainability of the local arts scene.

Agreement Summary

Detail	Specification
Agreement Date	3 September 2026
Expiration Date	1 June 2031
Partners	Department of Tourism (DOT) & Philippines Recorded Music Rights, Inc. (PRM)
Eligibility	DOT-accredited tourism establishments
Primary Benefit	Discounted music licensing rates
Legal Basis	Republic Act No. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code)
Key Ambassadors	BINI and SB19

Key Takeaways

• Cost Reduction: DOT-accredited businesses get discounted rates for using recorded music.
• Legal Safety: The deal ensures compliance with the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
• Cultural Promotion: Local music is being used as a strategic tool to enhance the visitor experience.
• Industry Synergy: The partnership connects the hospitality sector with the creative economy and global pop icons like SB19 and BINI.

FAQ

Which businesses are eligible for the discounted rates? Only tourism establishments that are officially accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) can access these discounted licensing charges.

What does PRM do in this agreement? PRM acts as the Collective Management Organisation (CMO), handling the licensing, administration, and enforcement of economic rights for performers and producers.

How long is the agreement valid? The MOA was signed on 3 September 2026 and will remain in effect until 1 June 2031.

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