The Philippines has been known as the “creative people” or the “talented/creative Filipinos” around the world. Wonderful creative industries include advertising, film, animation, music, architecture, crafts, design, literature, new media, and culinary arts. When it comes to talented Filipinos, the list goes on. Senator Loren Legarda, in an interview, said that the diverse pool of creative talents from the country has lead reputation globally from Filipino musicians, singers, film industry, Hollywood sports and fashion. By this, Filipinos are earning money and jobs in this industry through the production of intellectual property.
With such a rich and varied base of creative talent, the Philippines should develop the full potential of its creative industries, enhancing its competitive advantage and improving its reputation and becoming better recognized globally. It is prudent for the government to see how it can protect and nurture the excellence of the movers of this industry on the 18th congress.
THE CHALLENGE
The greatest challenge 2020 has brought to the creative industry began when the COVID-19 closed stations, and thus, bringing less need for the entertainment and creative industry as the health and safety of the nation is at line first.
Moreover, the lack of general knowledge and enthusiasm of the creative artists of the country is widespread. There is no root to recognize the overall environment of the creative industries because of the lack of cohesivity and the numerous sectors behind it. Also, the restriction from the constitution regulates the advertising of foreign ownership of all foreign media to 25% only which prohibits the practice of foreign professionals which could be a great help to the Philippine creative industry.
HOW CAN THE PHILIPPINES DEVELOP ARTS AND CREATIVES INDUSTRY
Sector mapping is the critical first step in developing and promoting the creative industries.
Second, funding for small-scale entrepreneurs are scarce. The Philippine’s creative economy requires financial support in terms of productions for small business. This would ensure continuous production capacity for the creative industry.
Third, digitization should be made in order to utilize the social media and internet tools so arts and creatives could be distributed digitally. This could be done by aiming technical help and training on digital services distribution for better sales and export of products and services.
Fourth, the Republic Act 11904 or the development of the Creatives Industries Development Act of 2021 which mandates that the state support the promotion and development of Philippine creatives by protecting and strengthening the rights and capacities of creative firms, artists, artisans, creators, workers, indigenous cultural communities, content providers, and other stakeholders in the creative industries.
New brands, markets, and products should all be part of an industry growth plan. Trade facilitation difficulties such as supply problems and sluggish goods clearance should be tackled. By offering grants and loans with tax incentives to Filipino creatives, the Act hopes to encourage independent artists and creative workers to join organizations. Additionally, it requires the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education to advance creative education in order to nurture future potential.
Under this law, there will be the formation of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council. This council will be created to guarantee the continuous development of the creative sector so that those who belong in it can reap the benefits of the continuing creation of industry jobs. Comprising the council will be representatives from different parts of the creative sector: audiovisual media, digital interactive media, creative services, design, publishing and printed media, performing arts, visual arts, traditional cultural expressions, and cultural sites.
Senator Legarda and Congressman De Venecia said that the establishment of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council, under the auspices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will institutionalize state support for the creative industries.
The council is tasked to guarantee the long-term development of the creative industries so that those who belong to it can reap the continuing creation of industry jobs and provide incentives to encourage and sustain Filipino excellence in these activities.
As a singer, artist, and performer, we know very much what it`s like to be creative in a country that doesn`t value the art that you were doing or building. I know very much the feeling of not being supported on your craft in an environment who lacks knowledge and value of your creativity. This is one of the reasons why I campaign so passionately for this law during its deliberation as a bill.
Resources:
https://www.futurelearn.com/info/futurelearn-international/philippines-creative-economy
About the Author
- Rica Angelica G. Oabel is an Accountancy student, a singer, artist and performer in the province of Quezon. She is the official voice of the Music Festivals of Sariaya, Calauag, Mulanay, and Tagkawayan. Through God`s providence, she has won gold medals in various singing competitions from their municipality and in Region IV-A CALABARZON. She was a recording artist of Quezon, a woman, an advocate, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a servant of God using her talents and time to worship her creator and give back to her community.
Author's latest published articles
YOUth VoicesJune 26, 2023Boosting the Philippine Creative Economy
