Message: Philippine Creative Industries Month

Message of Support
SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE LOREN LEGARDA
Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM)
3 September 2023
Manila Metropolitan Theater

I extend my support to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as they unite to organize the launching of the Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM) today.

This event aims to commemorate the historic passage of the Philippine Creative Industries Act, which I had proudly authored. This landmark legislation reflects our steadfast commitment to nurturing the growth and development of our culture, arts, and creative sector. It is a testament to our recognition of the immense economic and social potential that lies within the creative industries.

Under the theme of “Celebrating Filipino Creativity, Advancing Creative Philippines,” the PCIM will serve as a gathering of creative minds, visionaries, and enthusiasts—all coming together to highlight and honor the ingenuity and brilliance of our fellow Filipinos. It is an opportunity to showcase the diversity and richness of our cultural heritage and amplify our creative industries’ impact on national development.

Through this significant event, we will foster a supportive and nurturing environment for our artists, artisans, designers, and cultural workers—who often work tirelessly to preserve our traditions, explore new frontiers, and express their talent. The PCIM will serve as a platform to recognize and celebrate their contributions, providing them with the opportunities and collaborations necessary for their growth and success.

As your advocate and partner in championing the culture and the arts, I wholeheartedly embrace this undertaking. By nurturing and integrating our creative industries into our national agenda, we will foster economic growth and reinforce our nation’s cultural identity and pride.

As your four-term senator, I have long supported several initiatives to cultivate arts, culture, and creativity in the Philippines. I have initiated events like the National Arts and Crafts Fair and I have supported the School of Living Traditions—platforms where the mastery of our indigenous communities is handed down to younger generations.

I have also continually funded and supported Philippine participation in the Frankfurt Buchmesse – the world’s largest and oldest trade fair for books attracting 4,000 exhibitors from over 100 countries. It is with immense joy that I share with you that the Philippines has been selected as the Guest of Honour for the Frankfurt Book Fair in the year 2025.

I have also filed Senate bills to nurture further and preserve arts and culture, such as the Philippine Music Industry Act of 2022, the Philippine Arts in Venice Biennale Act of 2022, and the Philippine Handloom Weaving Industry Development Act of 2020.

As we embark on this exciting journey of celebrating Filipino creativity and advancing the creative industries in the Philippines, working hand in hand, we can use this occasion to highlight the importance and impact of the Cultural Mapping Law, also known as Republic Act 11961, which I principally sponsored and authored. This law is a valuable tool in documenting, preserving, and promoting our cultural heritage, ensuring that it remains a source of inspiration and pride for future generations.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to driving the progress of our beloved country in these transformative times.

Isang luntiang Pilipinas sa ating lahat!