The creative industry could become a major driver of economic growth in the Cordillera as the government expands support across its various sectors, the regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Thursday.

In a press briefing during the Philippine Creative Industries Month celebration, DTI-Cordillera Assistant Director Samuel Gallardo said the Philippine creative industry is valued at about PHP2.12 trillion, equivalent to about 7.6 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, and directly supports about 8 million jobs.

He added that if the value is at PHP2 trillion, there is a need to expect constant growth of 30 percent to 35 percent from 2025 to 2030.

He said the creative economy covers not only traditional arts but also digital and interactive entertainment, animation, gaming, advertising, architecture, and design.

The DTI is working to improve how the government measures the sector’s contribution to the economy, including jobs, investments, and income generated by creative enterprises that may not be captured under the traditional definition of micro, small and medium enterprises, Gallardo said.

The agency is also expanding its industry-cluster approach to include the creative sector, alongside existing clusters for coffee, cacao, bamboo, wearables and homestyle products, processed food, and nuts.

Gallardo said the Cordillera’s creative sector can benefit from stronger connections among cities and provinces, allowing local creatives to collaborate, innovate, and expand their markets.

“When we are organized, it is so much easier to market products and services locally and abroad,” he said.

Baguio’s creative economy

Venus Tan, president of the Baguio Creative Council, said the city’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art also carries economic opportunities.

As part of its reporting to UNESCO, the city tracks the creative sector’s impact on livelihoods, poverty reduction, job creation, and economic development, Tan said.

The Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, or Republic Act 11904, was enacted in 2022 and led to the creation of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan, which sets a Vision 2030 for the sector.

The law identifies nine creative domains: audiovisual media; digital interactive media; creative services; design; publishing and printed media; performing arts; visual arts; traditional cultural expressions; and cultural sites.

Gallardo said the nine domains are being pursued through the plan’s BEAMS strategic framework – Build, Empower, Accelerate, Mobilize, and Seize. (PNA)