BAGUIO CITY – The Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) or Republic Act 1104 that provides support and protection to the creative industry was highlighted during a Kapihan forum of Fiestakutcha, an activity organized by the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI) Cordillera Region last September 26, at Hotel Supreme.
Discussion was led by an esteemed panel of directors from the center office of DTI, DTI-CAR, DTI Region II and III.
“Gusto po nating buhayin ang creatives natin all over the Philippines and to give hope that their voices are heard. But at the same time to seek the creative industry. Nandito po kami primarily para makinig, gusto po naming malaman yung mga hangarin ng creatives in the different regions,” said by Creative Industries Development Project Management Unit Highly Technical Consultant Atty. Gio Franco Gomez.
Gomez shared the passing of the said law was at the forefront of their priority. During the pandemic of October 2020, discussion began and was highly supported by former DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldava, mentioning that the two consecutive administrations were also in support of the law. Finally, in July 2022 the bill became a law. The situation in the pandemic made the creative industry touted as a way forward to economic development.
DTI Regional Director Juliet Lucas exclaimed the industry will thrive at the Cordillera as for many interventions to be followed. With the implementation of the law and recognizing the industry, it will bring economic growth through strategic thinking to flourish the industry.
“Because of our sceneries, because of our geographic location, and because of our preserved culture and tradition, parang may pinaghuhugutan tayo, na roothing that sprouts a lot of possibilities.” Lucas emphasized.
Further, Philippine Trade & Training Center Executive Director Nelly Nita Dillera mentioned their department’s main points. She informed everyone of the importance of the industry by saying how it contributes in figures for economic growth. One of the targets is to formalize the informal sectors, meaning they can be registered or legitimize by getting business permits. They wanted to help creatives build an entrepreneurial mindset. Then, they develop a number of Philippine skills frameworks related to digital animation and game development, as well as on films that will be the basis for academic upgrade. Lastly, their department have also launched the Ensayo Creative Hub which seeks to provide trainings and facilitate free use of equipment made for artists, performers and artisans.
With the implementation of the PCDA, Intellectual Property Office Assistant Head Marlo Carag expressed how excited their department, “Doon kami excited on how we can participate on the recognition of protect recognize and respect yung creative works under Intellectual property no more rights na eh paraang assets na.” Carag stated.
Rene Misa of Cordillera School for Digital Arts gave updates on what their institutions are doing. He highlighted their curriculum to career program, wherein they use what is needed in the industry to benchmark their training. The newly formed Multimedia Arts Association Of the Philippines, Benguet Chapter, can now give better direction to multimedia arts people and animation.
Among the other present panel of directors were DTI Regional Director of region II Leah Ocampo with Asst Regional Director Edna Dizon from region III.
The forum ended with a reminder from the panel that the future is creative. By Adrian Mas
