Underscoring the importance of the local creative industries to the economy and job generation, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged industry stakeholders and partners to collaborate in strengthening the design community and forge tie ups with both local and international allies.
“So, as we immerse ourselves in the ART X DESIGN Programs and the 50 Years of Philippine Design and Beyond Exhibition, let us take this moment to exhibit our country’s creativity and excellence on the global stage,” President Marcos said during the launching of ART X DESIGN at the National Museum.
“So, I call all stakeholders, all agencies, and partners in the Philippine creative industries to come together to strengthen our design community and to cultivate collaborations with both local and international allies,” he added.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos in the launching.
The President said unity among stakeholders and local partners can enhance the global competitiveness of Filipino products and services, broaden trade horizons, and nurture a vibrant and sustainable economy that embodies the pinnacle of Filipino artistry and creativity.
He also urged the stakeholders and local partners to embrace the principles of innovation, collaboration, and determination as the nation embarks on the journey towards a future with the Philippine design leading the way to economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and social equity.
With the industry generating more than 700,000 jobs, accounting for nearly two percent of the country’s total employment, the government remains committed to strengthening the Design and Creative Industries, he said.
Citing a pioneering research by the Design Center of the Philippines and the British Council entitled “Making Design Count,” Marcos said that in 2020 the Philippine design economy generated nearly P3 trillion in revenues and contributed P1.2 trillion in gross value added to the economy.
According to the President, the administration has been implementing forward-thinking legislation such as the Philippine Design Competitiveness Act, Philippine Creative Industries Development Act of 2022, and other policies to promote innovation, support entrepreneurship, and protect intellectual property.
“These initiatives aim to amplify the economic and cultural significance of the creative sector, empowering Filipino designers to flourish, further hone their craft, and to shine internationally,” Marcos said.
The launch of ART X DESIGN in observance of the National Arts Month is also part of the year-long celebration marking the golden jubilee of the Design Center of the Philippines.
The event is also extra special to him, Marcos said, saying his mother, Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, envisioned in the 1970s a future for a brilliant design industry.
The former First Lady’s vision came to fruition in 1973 with the establishment of the Design Center, laying the groundwork for Filipino creativity to dazzle the global stage, the President said. PND