Invest in Local PH Creative Sector

Recently, issues regarding popular Korean shows and movies have been brought up, in light of a supposed proposal by Senator Jinggoy Estrada to ban this type of media in the Philippines to draw attention to the local media being produced.

Instead of banning foreign films and media, we should draw inspiration and work towards proper funding and development of the creative sector to aid its growth for possible export in the future.

This year, Pangasinan’s 4th District Representative Christopher de Venecia,  authored the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act which seeks to help the creative industry sector and eventually develop into the Philippines having the number one creative economy in Asia.

Republic Act 11904 lapsed into law last July 27 of this year. This law indicates the development and promotion of the Philippine creative industries by strengthening the capacities and rights of stakeholders and calls for the establishment of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council under the supervision of the  Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“This council will be created 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 creative industries, says Rep. De Venecia.

“The passage of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, while a watershed moment in our creative history, is our country playing catch-up to a creative future that is being enjoyed as a creative present by many of our neighbors in ASEAN and around the globe… We are finally investing in Filipino talent that we have long taken for granted or left to their own devices,”  also says De Venecia.

Aside from the possibility of the Philippines holding the same soft power as South Korea, investment in the creative industry would also mean improving its competitiveness and overall economy through the export of products and increased tourism to name a few.

There is huge potential for this sector to grow once a proper framework is put in place and funding and incentives are made easily available. The government should take more initiatives to encourage and support our local creators and industry players.

Sources: Philippine News Agency, Manila Bulletin, DTI