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In congruence with the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) or RA 11904, the 2nd edition of the summit featured content and opportunities to support the ‘Malikhaing Pinoy’ of the Philippines.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, who co-authored the bill, made good on her promise to enhance Filipino creativity during this event hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). “As mentioned in the 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan, this sector deserves more proactive programs and collaboration of concerned sectors.”

“We can provide funding, spearhead active promotions, help develop the capacities of our artists, develop centers of creative excellence, arrange incubation spaces for Filipino creatives to collaborate, and showcase the assets of the country in creative tourism while protecting our creative workers,” said Legarda.

Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba, the DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation, gave the opening speech. The ‘Malikhaing Pinoy’ Program, alternatively called the Creative Philippines Program, was launched during the two-day summit. DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual stated that this should alleviate the challenges creative industries are facing.

Congressman Christopher de Venecia touched on the present condition as well as direction of the Filipino creative line of work. “What is important now is to build on the momentum that the passage of this law [RA11904 – The Philippine Creative Industries Development Act] has started. After all, it was only meant to be a foundation of a creative future. Hardly a silver bullet, but the beginning of something new in an even more creative Philippines.”

De Venecia is the current Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman of the Special Committee of the Creative Industry and Performing Arts. “Our overarching goal, as set by the DTI and the NGO Creative Economies Council of the Philippines led by Paulo Mercado, is that by 2030 the Philippines will become the number one creative economy in the whole of ASEAN.”

There’s a variety of panels which featured local and international speakers. One of those discussed was the ASEAN City of Culture, which aims to strengthen ASEAN, as well as identify and raise the profile of ASEAN in the region, as well globally.

The ‘Best of ASEAN Performing Arts at Dubai World Expo 2020’ was mentioned as an example, wherein all dancers were composed of nationalities from the 10 member states. This is a good venue for ASEAN nations to share cultural diversity and creative talent. Other mentioned co-productions with member states are the Faces of ASEAN and Voice of ASEAN.

Events such as these are learning experiences. It teaches one that at policy level, it is good to consider a culture centric but multi-stakeholder approach. At the operative level, it would be useful to leverage existing initiatives so the ongoing effort’s not wasted and the work will be concentrated towards improving it instead of starting from scratch.

One of the international speakers was President Commissioner Ricky Joseph Pesik, vice president of Indonesia Economy Agency from 2015 to 2019. Pesik shared the Indonesian government timeline on creative economy, that it’s possible for the government to aid in creating a better and stronger ecosystem.

He shared that in 2022, Indonesian film dominated the market by 61% domestically. However, one must watch out for challenges such as: inevitability of disruption in creative industries; incompatibility of the creative sectors’ way of work and government bureaucracy; new governance on intellectual property, etc.

Other noteworthy guests of honor were Sen. Koko Pimentel, Sen. Imee Marcos, Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications Secretary Paul Soriano, and the current Philippine president, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., who was present virtually.

The 2nd Creative Industries Summit took place last March 7 and 8 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The main theme of the event was ‘Unifying Creative Agenda, Elevating Filipino Creativity’, which aims to promote awareness regarding Filipinos’ definition of what it means to be a creative. 

In its 2-day run, PH CIS 2023 tackled the current landscape of the creative economy, revealed emerging trends and opportunities, and fortified synergies in the creative ecosystem.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Facebook (@picc)