President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
#PBBMSONA2022
MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed his full support for the promotion and development of the Philippines' creative industries.
In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), the chief executive recognizes the country's pool of talents and the sector's potential to create more job opportunities.
"We require an institutionalized creative industry that will advance the interests of its stakeholders - sila na nagbibigay ng kaluluwa at pagkakilanlan sa ating pagka-Pilipino. Protektahan natin sila (They are the ones who give soul to the Filipino identity. Let us protect them)," he said.
Although Filipino creatives are "truly world-class", Marcos said they still face many challenges concerning workplace conditions, working hours, and intellectual property rights.
He said freelancers were also left vulnerable during the height of the pandemic.
"We excel in arts and culture, new media, live events - avenues which generate primary and downstream jobs for our creative and talented countrymen," he said.
"Unfortunately, ang mga hanapbuhay na ito ang unang pinadapa ng pandemya at pinakahuli namang maibabalik sa normal (Unfortunately, these jobs were among the first casualties of the pandemic and could even be the last to recover)," he said.
The Creative Industries Act is set to lapse into law on July 27, pending Marcos' veto. The law, a combined version of House Bill 10107 and Senate Bill 2455, seeks to create a Philippine Creative Industry Development Council, which will oversee the efforts to improve the industry. (PNA)
