An executive of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has called on the creative industry stakeholders in Pangasinan and La Union to team-up with the government to boost the sector in the region.

In an interview on Wednesday, DTI Ilocos Region assistant director Grace Lapastora said they have partnered with SIKAP Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines, Inc. to encourage regional digital content creators to closely work with the government to help them access more opportunities.

“We want to let them know that the government is here. We recognize your worth. We recognize your contribution to the Philippine economy. Let us know what you need so that we can grow bigger. Let us collaborate,” she said addressing the 70 content creators and vloggers who attended a roadshow event here.

Lapastora said DTI, being the lead agency in the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council, is still establishing and profiling stakeholders and building up database to further serve them.

“We already know the other members of the creative industry like the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who are into arts and crafts and those in traditional expressions. The content creators are basically the digital MSMEs,” she said.

Another roadshow will be held in Ilocos Sur and will cater to the content creators in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

The activity is part of the implementation of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act or Republic Act 11904, which lapsed into law on July 27 last year.

RA 11904 mandates the promotion and development of Philippine creative industries by protecting and strengthening the rights and capacities of creative firms, artists, artisans, creators, workers, indigenous cultural communities, content providers and other stakeholders in the creative industries. (PNA)