In a significant move to bolster the Philippine creative and design sectors, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday underscored the necessity of building more collaborations with both local and international partners.
Speaking at the inauguration of the “Art X Design” exhibition at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila, Marcos highlighted the pivotal role these industries play in the nation’s economic development and job creation.
The President urged stakeholders, agencies, and partners within the Philippine creative industries to unite in fortifying the design community and fostering partnerships across borders.
“By working together, we can elevate the global standing of Filipino products and services, expand trade opportunities, and foster a dynamic and sustainable economy that reflects the zenith of Filipino creativity and artistry,” Marcos stated.
He also emphasized the critical importance of innovation, collaboration, and determination as the country strides towards a future where Philippine design is at the forefront of economic prosperity, environmental responsibility, social equity, and unity.
Referencing a study by the Design Center of the Philippines and the British Council titled “Making Design Count,” Marcos pointed out the substantial economic impact of the design economy, which generated nearly PHP3 trillion in revenues and contributed PHP1.2 trillion in gross value to the economy in 2020, while creating over 700,000 jobs.
The government, according to Marcos, is dedicated to enhancing the Design and Creative Industries through progressive legislation such as the Philippine Design Competitiveness Act and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act of 2022, among other initiatives aimed at promoting innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and safeguarding intellectual property rights.
These efforts are designed to magnify the economic and cultural value of the creative sector, enabling Filipino designers to excel and gain international recognition.
Marcos also praised the “Art X Design” exhibition for its potential to inspire future generations of Filipino designers and creatives, as well as to augment the country’s international stature.
He shared a personal connection to the event, reminiscing about his mother, former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, who in the 1970s envisioned a bright future for Filipino design, an aspiration that materialized with the establishment of the Design Center in 1973.
The “Art X Design” exhibition, curated by the Design Center of the Philippines, offers an extensive review of the evolution of design in the Philippines over the last fifty years, featuring key pieces that have significantly influenced both the local and international design scenes.
The exhibit is open to the public until March 3, 2024, presenting an opportunity to explore the progression of Philippine design. – PhilippinesToday.ph