PARI Unveils Bold Roadmap for the Future of the Philippine Music Industry

The Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) unveiled its ambitious roadmap for the future of the local music industry during a well-attended press conference held at Viva Café on April 14.
Leading the announcement was newly installed PARI President Enzo Valdez, who presented a comprehensive plan designed to benefit both industry stakeholders and music fans alike.

The event drew strong support from 35 recording label members and six partner music organizations, signaling broad industry alignment behind PARI’s renewed direction.

39th Awit Awards: Expanding Access and Inclusivity

Central to the announcement is the upcoming 39th Awit Awards, which promises to be the most expansive and inclusive edition to date. For the first time, entries will be open to non-member artists, allowing independent musicians and their managers to submit nominations across categories.

This milestone initiative reflects PARI’s commitment to widening access and recognizing a more diverse spectrum of Filipino musical talent.

Introduction of the Awit Voting Community (AVC)

A key innovation introduced by Valdez is the creation of the Awit Voting Community (AVC), a body tasked with selecting final nominees and winners.

Eligible AVC members will include Awit Awards judges and finalists from the past five years, as well as designated representatives from PARI’s corporate and associate member labels—ensuring a credible, experienced, and representative voting body.

New Major Award Categories

Further elevating this year’s awards is the introduction of two new major categories:

• Songwriter of the Year
• Producer of the Year

These categories recognize individuals with the highest number of finalist entries and highlight the vital contributions of creators behind the music.

Strategic Industry Partnerships

PARI also announced strategic partnerships with key music organizations:

• Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM)
• Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (FILSCAP)
• Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino (AMP)
• Music Copyright Administrators of the Philippines (MCAP)
• Philippine Recorded Music Rights (PRM)
• Sound Recording Rights Society, Inc. (Soundsright)

Each organization will be given on-stage presentation opportunities during major events, including the 39th Awit Awards.

World-Class Production and Events

To ensure world-class production, PARI has partnered with Go Live Asia, led by Founder and Director Nico Faustino, Managing Director Ranice Faustino, and Creative Director Paolo Valenciano.

The Awit Awards Night is scheduled for September at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, while the Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino Awards will take place in October at the historic Goldenberg Mansion in Malacañang.

AwitFest: A Global Celebration of OPM

Capping off the celebration is AwitFest, a major music festival set for January, featuring top Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists alongside international guest performers.

Japanese acts from Music Awards Japan members, through the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA/MAJ), will also be featured—creating a dynamic cross-cultural exchange.

Official PARI Certification Plaques

PARI introduced the Official PARI Certification Plaques, available starting May 2026, to formally recognize the commercial achievements of artists and record labels.

Awit Museum Initiative

Proceeds from AwitFest will support the development of the Awit Museum, a flagship initiative envisioned as a permanent cultural space dedicated to preserving and celebrating Filipino music.

The museum will feature iconic recordings, memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and educational programs—serving as a living archive and hub for future artists, songwriters, and producers.

Leadership Statements

“This is a defining moment for the Philippine music industry. We are opening doors wider than ever before—embracing independent artists, strengthening partnerships across organizations, and creating platforms that connect Filipino music to the global stage.”

— Enzo Valdez, PARI President

“The direction PARI is taking over the next few years is both purposeful and exciting. We are laying the groundwork for sustained growth—one that embraces innovation, strengthens industry collaboration, and ensures that Filipino music continues to thrive.”

— Antonio M. Ocampo, PARI Chairman

With these initiatives, PARI signals a dynamic new era for the Philippine music industry—one that champions inclusivity, innovation, and artistic excellence.

“We make music for you.”