Nov 12, 2023

Nov 12, 2023 03:08 PM Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual underscored the significant role of the creative industry in propelling the country's economic growth, citing its contribution to creating high-quality jobs, attracting foreign investments, and positioning the country in the global market. During the Globaltronics' 20th Anniversary Gala Program at the Manila Hotel on Nov. 10, Pascual emphasized the creative sector's contribution to creating high-quality and better-paying jobs, and increasing investments to drive growth. “In 2022, the creative economy in the Philippines made significant strides, contributing an impressive P1.60 trillion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and marking a substantial 12.1 percent increase from the previous year. These figures underscore the dynamism of the creative industries and its untapped potential,” he stressed. Pascual shared that the Philippines has received global recognition, with Iloilo City earning the prestigious UNESCO Creative City for its gastronomy. Further, he added that 11 Philippine studios earned $29 million in revenue at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival which shows the strength of the creative industry to be globally competitive. Pascual also lauded Globaltronics for its pioneering role in reshaping public spaces through digital displays since 2003, adding that the company’s unwavering dedication is evident in its captivating corporate ads and relevant public service announcements of renowned institutions like the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Habitat for Humanity, and Children’s Hour. Further, he recognized Globaltronics’ dual commitment to the industry and its social responsibility through initiatives such as the Performing Arts and Recreation Center (PARC) Foundation and the National Digital Arts Awards (NDAA). Highlighting the DTI’s initiatives to empower the broader landscape of the creative industry, Pascual presented the Malikhaing Pinoy Program (MPP) aimed at boosting the value added by the creative sector to the economy and the global job market. He also shared the government’s continued support to the youth through programs like the Young Creatives Challenge, which acknowledges and incentivizes creatives across various domains by offering cash prizes and support for safeguarding their intellectual property rights. He likewise outlined the Ensayo Creative Hub, a collaborative effort between the Philippine Trade Training Center and the Global MSME Academy (PTTC-GMEA), to facilitate the growth and development of creative talents. Affirming the current administration’s unified and directed efforts, he emphasized that the DTI’s programs and initiatives are aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 aimed at promoting partnerships to benefit artists and creators while contributing significantly to economic growth and development. “Let’s work together to empower the Philippine creatives industries as we usher the beginning of a malikhaing Bagong Pilipinas!,” Pascual said.