CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez is expecting on the timely enactment into law of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) to boost the economy.
Rodriguez even portrays RA 11904 as “a meaningful landmark for creative industries.”
Rodriguez, one of the authors said the bill seeking to provide for the development and promotion of creative industries in the country lapsed into law on July 28, 2022.
“That RA 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Act mandates the formulation of long-term plans to develop and promote the creative industries of the country,” said Rodriguez.
The development of these industries will bring a much-needed boost to our economy and grant additional opportunities for Filipinos to be recognized for their talents and potentials internationally, according to Rodriguez.
The law defines the creative industry as “those persons that produce cultural, artistic, and innovative goods, products, and services which originate from individual creativity, skill, and talent and have potential to generate wealth.”
This includes a very wide range of industries:
• Traditional cultural expressions (festivals, celebrations)
• Performing arts (live music, theater, dance, opera, circus, puppetry)
• Audiovisuals (film, television, radio, other broadcasting)
• New media (software, video games)
• Creative services (architecture, advertising, creative research and development, cultural, recreational services)
• Design (interior, graphic, fashion, jewelry, toys)
• Publishing and printed media (books, comics, press, other publications)
• Visual arts (paintings, illustrations, sculptures, photography, antiques)
• Cultural sites (archeological sites, museums, libraries, exhibitions)
“As a nation overflowing with immensely talented Filipinos, the state should see to it that these industries are supported and funded as they shape a big part of our culture and national identity,” Rodriguez underscored.
The new law further directs the formation of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council, to fall under the mandate of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The Council composed, as ex-officio members, of the Secretary of DTI, DepEd, DOST, NEDA, DOT, as well as the Chairman of the NCAA and the Director General of IPOPHL will be in charge of drafting and implementing the Philippine Creative Industry Development Plan.
RA 11904 also calls for the protection of the rights and capacities of creative firms, artists, artisans, creators, workers, indigenous cultural communities, content providers, and other stakeholders in the creative industry.
“We have to ensure that the support given to those in the industry is consistent, thus the law also provides for a system of centralized state support to institutionalize the provision of funding and other forms of technical, technological, financial, and institutional assistance,” the lawmaker added.
Rodriguez is confident that the implementation of this law will commence the rise of the Philippines in creative industry output, primarily among the ASEAN ranks.
