DAGUPAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Region 1, in partnership with the SIKAP-Creative Content Association of the Philippines, Inc., conducted an AYO Regional Roadshow aimed at establishing strong collaboration between the government and content creators in the creative industry.
AYO means “knock,” which indicates an invitation to creators to gather and share valuable experiences in a single forum.
About 70 content creators from Pangasinan and La Union, primarily in the field of digital micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), participated in the one-day roadshow held at the Monarch Hotel in Calasiao, Pangasinan on November 8.
“You, the SIKAP group, will play a vital role in promoting the creative industry’s advancement. Ito ay bago sa paningin ng opisina ng DTI dahil ang unang pumapasok sa isipan ng tao kapag nabanggit itong ahensya na ito ay tumaas ang presyo, walang suplay, o walang mabili,” Grace Lapastora, assistant regional director of DTI Region 1, said.
“But here comes the Philippine Creative Industry Development Act which brought for the formalization of the people belonging to the creative industry. Iyan ang patunay na ang gobyerno ay pinapahalagahan kayo dahil you are worth it,” she added.
The Philippine Creative Industry Development Act, under Republic Act No. 11904, mandates the promotion and development of creative industries by protecting and strengthening the rights of creative firms, artists, workers, and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Lapastora urged content creators in the region to expand into global markets with the growing possibilities in the industry.
She said the government recognized their contributions and worth to the Philippine economy.
She stated they would create a creative industry in Region 1, thus, encouraging them to get out of their shell, collaborate, and interact with the bigger players in this sector.
Further, Lapastora assured the creators that the national government is committed to developing the creative industry to boost their contribution to the local economy.
Pangasinan’s pride and TikTok superstar Bernie Batin expressed his gratitude to DTI for bringing together creative talents, entrepreneurs, and government agencies to jumpstart the local creative economy by showcasing the immense talent of the regional creative industry.
“Sa mga aspiring na content creators, talagang mahirap sa simula. Pero huwag na huwag po tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa, huwag tayong sumuko at tumigil,” he said.
The second leg of the AYO regional roadshow was held on November 10 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur and brought together creators from the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. By: Jenrie C. Del Rosario
