Filipinos spend more time listening to music than any other nationality, averaging 126 minutes daily, according to a study by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP). Despite this deep connection to music, many in the industry earn below P20,000 per month, barely exceeding Metro Manila’s minimum wage.
Dr. Maria Alexandra Chua, a professor at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music and head of the NRCP’s Musika Pilipinas project, highlights in a Phil Star Global report the financial struggles of Filipino musicians. The study found that over half of those in the industry rely on non-music-related income to cover their living expenses.
Music’s share in the Philippine creative industry remains small. In 2023, the industry’s gross value added grew to P1.72 trillion, but music contributed only P18.1 billion or 8.8% of the total.
The Musika Pilipinas project aims to better define the country’s music ecosystem, covering publishing, recording, live performances, and digital market shifts. The study, which surveyed 700 industry players, also emphasizes the need for government support. While the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act exists, music is currently categorized under performing arts and audiovisuals rather than as a standalone sector.
To address these issues, the NRCP recommends forming a music coordinating council to advocate for policy representation, industry development, and stronger intellectual property protections for local artists.
