PHL aims to become Asia’s Premier Creative Hub

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The Philippines is charting a bold course to transform into Asia’s leading center of creativity and innovation.

With the recent approval of the framework for the Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan (PCIDP), the nation is gearing up to achieve its vision of becoming the premier creative hub in Asia by the year 2030.

The Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC), chaired by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual, took a decisive step forward in this journey during its third regular meeting on February 21, 2024.

The strategic roadmap that emerged from this meeting, the PCIDP, is crafted to guide the objectives set by the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA).

The development plan outlines the nation’s strategic framework, detailing goals, targets, and strategies essential for realizing this ambitious vision.

In a move to bolster the creative forces that drive the industries, the PCIDC endorsed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. the nominees for the Council’s private sector representatives across five of the nine Creative Industries domains. These domains, which include Creative Services, Design, Publishing and Printed Media, Performing Arts, and Audiovisual Media, represent a spectrum of the vibrant and diverse talent within the nation.

Secretary Pascual highlighted the significance of this endorsement.

“These pivotal decisions empower the DTI to harness the creativity and innovation within our diverse industries, bringing us closer to our vision of becoming Asia’s premier creative hub by 2030.”

This statement underscores the DTI’s commitment to fostering an environment where creativity and innovation can flourish.

Further illustrating this commitment, the Council discussed plans for the upcoming Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM) in September and reviewed the 2023 accomplishments of member agencies, as well as their plans for 2024, which are aimed at nurturing the creative industries.

Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba added depth to the narrative by acknowledging the importance of incorporating the private sector’s dynamic capabilities.

“Completing the membership of the PCIDC harnesses the diverse talents and perspectives of the private sector, which is necessary to propel our creative industries towards innovation, growth, and global recognition,” she noted.

The Council is allowing additional time to ensure the right representatives are chosen for the remaining domains, extending the endorsement period by another month for Cultural Sites, Digital Interactive Media, Traditional Cultural Expressions, and Visual Arts.

The finalized lists of nominees for the other domains are poised to be submitted to the President by Secretary Pascual.

The PCIDC, a nineteen-member body comprising ten ex officio members from the government and nine regular members from the private sector, is at the vanguard of the Philippines’ creative ambitions.

The private sector members, appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the DTI Secretary and in consultation with the Council, are set to bring fresh insights and drive the creative momentum needed for the Philippines to shine on the global stage.

The Philippines’ strategic shift toward nurturing its creative industries marks a transformative period in its economic development.

The nation is not only aiming to leverage its inherent artistic talents but also to create a sustainable ecosystem where creativity is a cornerstone of economic and cultural prosperity.

As the Philippines moves steadily towards realizing its goal of becoming Asia’s Premier Creative Hub, it stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to fostering a future built on the foundation of innovation, art, and culture.