The Philippines is poised to become Asia’s premier creative hub and ASEAN’s top creative economy in 2030, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and Philippines’ Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) Council Chair Alfredo Pascual.
“The current Philippine government administration, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is steadfast in its priority to develop our creative industries, protect the intellectual property rights of our creatives, and strengthen their capabilities,” Secretary Pascual said.
“We recognize the vital role of creativity in realizing our nation’s aspirations and interests. Creativity is the foundation of innovation, and through innovation, creativity has the power to make a global impact,” he added.
The DTI Secretary is leading the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC) delegation’s visit to the United Kingdom (UK) from May 8 to 10, aimed to advance the country’s creative economy agenda.
The visit will further provide invaluable insights into the UK’s thriving creative ecosystem and forge partnerships with its key institutions.
The mission also aims to develop innovative strategies and policy reforms through high-level meetings, workshops, and cultural exchanges. This knowledge exchange is seen to strengthen international ties, unlock the potential of the Philippine creative sector, and empower Filipino creatives worldwide.
Stressing the critical role of innovation in advancing the Philippine creative industries, DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba said, “While creativity ignites the initial spark of an idea, it is innovation that subsequently transforms and diversifies that idea into various expressions and tangible outcomes. This transformative process ultimately creates economic value, underscoring innovation as a cornerstone in fostering the growth of the creative economy.”
Demonstrating a whole-of-government approach, the delegation is composed of representatives from several PCIDC ex officio member agencies. The PCIDC is a 19-member council composed of 10 ex officio members and nine regular members from the private sector representing the nine creative domains.
The 10 ex officio members are (1) DTI as Chairperson, (2) Department Education, (3) Department of Tourism, (4) Commission on Higher Education, (5) National Commission for Culture and the Arts, (6) Department of Science and Technology, (7) National Economic and Development Authority, (8) Department of Information and Communications Technology, (9) Department of Interior and Local Government, and (10) Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.
In September 2023, the DTI signed a memorandum of understanding with the British Council to join hands in advancing the implementation of Republic Act No. 11904 or the PCIDA. Since then, the partnership has opened more doors to shared knowledge and learning, cross-cultural exchange, and collaborative growth between the Philippines and the UK.
