QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- With the intention to continually promote innovation and Filipino excellence, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda expressed her promise to nurture local creativity during the 2nd Philippine Creative Industries Summit hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“With the passage of the Republic Act 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA), which I co-authored in the previous congress, our contemporary and traditional artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs who have been an integral part of our culture and economy are safeguarded and supported,” Legarda said.

She emphasized the importance of the passage of RA 11904. According to the senator, the creative industries sector needs a boost from the losses they incurred due to the global restrictions which were imposed in 2020.

The Philippine Creative Industries Summit serves as a platform to gather the country’s institutional partners and stakeholders. During the summit, they discuss and enhance the current state of the Philippines’ creative industries.

“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,” Legarda added.

In support of her advocacy for the creative industry and to draw attention to Filipino talent, the senator has supported the National Arts and Crafts Fair, Manila FAME organized by the Center for Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the School of Living Traditions (SLTs), and more programs supporting the sector.

She also filed Senate Bill No. 836 or the Philippine Music Industry Act of 2022, SBN 1338 or the Philippine Rondalla Program of 2022, SBN 492 or the Philippine Arts in Venice Biennale Act of 2022, SBN 241 or the Philippine Handloom Weaving Industry Development Act of 2020, and SBN 247 or the One-Town-One-Product Philippines Act of 2022.

She said the creative industries are built on the foundation of creativity and not by profit or economy.

“It is crucial that we ensure our creative artists are nurtured and protected,” Legarda concluded. (ARB, PIA-CPSD)