Great progress for creative workers and professionals: HB 10107, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, was just approved on its final reading at the House of Representatives.
That covers a broad range of creative talents—artists, writers, singers, event organizers, comic book makers, chefs, online content creators, and even e-sport athletes and gamers, says Congressman Christopher “Toff” de Venecia, who chairs the House Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
The bill aims to organize and institutionalize the Philippine creative economy, nurture creative talent and human resources, and help create further employment and encourage creative entrepreneurship.
The lawmaker shared the news on his social media pages, writing, “Another milestone! The Philippine Creative Industries Act is approved on third and final reading in the Lower House!!! The ball is now in the Senate’s court!!! Let’s go team!!! #TheFutureIsCreative 🥳🥳🥳”
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According to House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, a comprehensive policy framework for the creative economy will make it possible to support freelance creatives whose livelihoods have been affected by the pandemic, and drive sustainable development for the sector.
Creative industries contribute to 6.5 to 7% of the country’s GDP, according to the Creative Economy Council of the Philippines (CECP). The CECP further estimates that there are 2 to 3 million project freelancers doing local work, while 1.5 million creatives work on international projects.
While the bill needs to be transmitted to the Senate and undergo bicameral approval, this is nonetheless great progress for the country’s creative industries that have no shortage of homegrown talent: just last week, John Arcilla made history when he won Best Actor at the 78th Venice International Film Festival.
Meanwhile, Baguio City is the first Philippine city to be named as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities network, which recognizes cities whose creative culture plays a large part in their urban development.
