SAN MIGUEL, Leyte (PIA) -- In observance of the first year celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM), the Department of Trade and Industry in Eastern Visayas (]DTI-8) has successfully launched the "Fiestakucha in Leyte: Creative Industries Roadshow" at The Farm at Guinciaman, San Miguel, Leyte, on Thursday, September 14.

PCIM will be annually celebrated every September starting this year as mandated under Republic Act 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PACIDA).

"Eastern Visayas, known for its cultural richness and artistic flare, has been a beacon for creative expression in the Philippines. Fiestakucha in Leyte celebrates the creative spirit of this region while highlighting the significance of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act as a driving force for economic growth," DTI-8 Regional Director Celerina Bato said during her welcome message.

The term "Fiestakucha" was derived from the word "Fiesta," which is part of the Filipino tradition of social gathering that usually has religious significance introduced during the Spanish regime, and "Pecha Kucha," which is a Japanese term that means "chit chat" or a short yet concise method of presentation done in a fast-paced manner.

The creative industries who can join and become protected by PACIDA are not limited to the innovative and sustainable creative talents but also the creativity that showcases the long history and rich culture of Philippine artistry unique to the Filipino identity.

Fiestakucha is part of the project for the PCIM, which was created for all creative talents to celebrate and recognize their contribution to society and provide support and safe space for all emerging artists and creatives from nine identified creative domains.

These are as follows: Audio-visual Media, Digital Interactive Media, Creative Services, Design, Publishing and Printed Media, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Traditional Cultural Expressions and Cultural Sites.

The celebration of the PCIM and the Fiestakucha project was well-received by Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, the national government agencies, non-government agencies, and media partners from all over the region.

Third District of Leyte Representative Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon was happy to be part of the advocacy.

"We are part of the country's creative economy and we want to champion to see growth by reimagining our heritage narratives in a contemporary, sustainability and globally resonant way. So that our communities get to mirror to the world who we are, what we care about," Tuazon said, inspiring the audience through her speech.

Meanwhile, Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog Party List also expressed his support by encouraging all creative industries to work as a team.

"We need to stop thinking in silence and see how we can compliment each other," Acidre said.

The launching of the said event is considered as a momentous event for Eastern Visayas as this was the first time it was launched in the region and second in Central Visayas on a nationwide scale.

DTI Competitiveness Bureau Assistant Director Jo-Dann N. Darong said that this year's month-long celebration of PCIM will be filled with activities varying from workshops, theater plays, music festivals etc.

"There are about 75 activities po all throughout the country na nagsimula na po nung September 1 at matatapos sa September 30," Darong said in an interview.

"Gusto namin na ang lahat ng region ay magkaroon ng regional creative festival," he added. (MMP/VCCL/PIA Leyte)