DTI: Support local creative industries for economic growth, competitiveness

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urged local government units (LGUs) to support and nurture their respective creative industries for economic growth and global competitiveness.

During the Philippines Creative Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Congress on Thursday, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual stressed how LGUs play a pivotal role in honing their artists and how local programs must be implemented to boost their talents.

“Competitiveness is not just about attracting investors and business; it is about creating an environment that fosters innovation and nurtures local talents,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to invest in education and training programs to equip our people, our workforce with skills for today’s global economic demand,” Pascual added.

The official also highlighted that the creative sector offers significant trade prospects for the country, particularly since it thrives on innovation and the ability to transform ideas into tangible products and services.

“Let us work hand in hand to transform our cities and municipalities into beacons of progress and prosperity,” he said, adding that the sector can also produce employment possibilities.

“Creative industry also serves as a platform to preserve cultural uniqueness, including cultural uniqueness in various localities in our country,” he added.

Furthermore, Pascual reiterated DTI’s commitment to support and provide platforms for the country’s creative talents.

He mentioned DTI’s Young Creatives Challenge launched on September 24, including screenwriting, songwriting, graphic design, game development, and an online content creation contest for those aged 18 to 35.

DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba, on the other hand, stated that the agency is still discussing the allocated funds for the creative industries in DTI’s proposed overall budget next year.

“We hope [to] get a bigger share of the budget considering all these huge programs we plan to implement. [We need ]a big budget,” she said.

Among these are training sessions, capability classes, upskilling, and cash assistance for start-up local creative businesses.

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