Villar Rallies Support for RP's Creative Industry

Nacionalista Party President Senator Manny Villar urges the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce and other committees to conduct an inquiry on the plight of the Philippines' creative industry to promote its growth and development.

"In my discussions with members of the creative industry, they told me that the Philippines must be the only country in the region that does not recognize its creative industry when in fact it contributes significantly to the economy," said Villar.

To this end, Villar proposed Senate Resolution No. 1161, to give due recognition to the contributions and potential of the creative industry. The Philippines' creative industry covers six major sectors, namely: performing arts; literature and publishing; visual arts, crafts and design; architecture and allied arts; film, broadcast arts and new media; and cultural heritage and cultural activities.

"Foreign organizations and individuals have been bestowing awards and accolades to Filipino artists and other members of the creative industry. We have very talented animators in Disney, recent recipients of the prestigious Cannes awards, stage performers at Broadway and West End, news broadcasters have been reaping recognition as well. In turn, we should extend more support to them," added Villar.

According to Villar-filed S.R. No 1161, recognizing the potential of our local creative industry, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) spearheaded the creation of the Creative Industry Task Force in 2005, with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Center for International Trade, Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the British Council as partners;

The Creative Industry Task Force aims to harness the country's creative talent and knowledge to fuel activity in the whole spectrum of the economy - from manufacturing to services. It defined the creative industry as consisting of those economic activities that capitalize on creativity and cultural content, producing goods and services with cultural and social value.

The Philippines' neighbours in the region such as Singapore and Korea have implemented strategies and plans to enhance the competitive advantage of their respective creative industries. "It's about time we give the creative industry the support and attention it so deserves," said Villar.