Boosting Philippine Creative Industries
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah ‘Mina’ F. Pangandaman approved the issuance of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and its corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) in the amount of P110 million to fund the implementation of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, as requested by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The Malikhaing Pinoy Program is an initiative of the DTI aimed at harnessing the capabilities and creativity of Filipinos for economic growth and recovery from challenges. It promotes various sectors of the creative industry in the Philippines, such as game development, animation, furniture design, music, advertising, fashion design, film, and the visual arts.
It supports the implementation of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act in developing and promoting the creative industry sector. The creative industry includes those directly or indirectly involved in the creation, production and manufacturing, performance, broadcasting, communication, exhibition or distribution, and sale of works and other subjects, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations on intellectual property rights protection. The program is a comprehensive set of programs that encompasses knowledge expansion, development, growth, and sustainability in Philippine Creative Industries.
“Investing in the Malikhaing Pinoy Program is a pivotal step towards helping realize President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas—a nation thriving through innovation and creativity, embodying the indomitable spirit of Filipinos. This funding will greatly help in empowering our creative industries to scale new heights and contribute significantly to our nation’s economic and cultural revival,” Secretary Mina stated.
The total budget for the Malikhaing Pinoy Program under the FY 2023 GAA reached P360 million. P250 million was initially released in FY 2023 under SARO No. SARO-BMB-A-23-0022510 dated August 17, 2023, based on the agency’s request. Therefore, the request to release the remaining P110 million balance, which is still valid for release, obligation, and disbursement until the end of the current year has been approved by DBM.
The budget release will sustain and expand the programs of the Philippine Creative Industries Council for the creative industry in areas such as talent development and training, incubation and acceleration, networking and promotions, export development, intellectual property, research and development, the establishment of creative clusters and hubs, policy advocacy, and market access.
It shall likewise support various activities to be conducted this year, such as the Philippines Skills Framework, Creative Startup Hackathon, Lunsod Lunsad, Creative Voucher Program Study, Creative Incubation, Global Market Acceleration Initiatives, support to book publishing initiatives, FiestaKucha, Creative Industries Month, and Secretariat Services to the Council.