The House Special Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts chaired by Rep. Christopher De Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan), held its first organizational meeting on Thursday and tackled the recently enacted Republic Act 11904, or the “Philippine Creative Industries Development Act.” De Venecia said they are capitalizing on passing more legislations, and are encouraged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first SONA statement that he would prioritize creative industries and tourism to create a national brand. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba discussed the primary provisions of the law, such as the creation of a Creative Industries Development Council and the formulation of its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR). Department of Foreign Affairs-UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (DFA-UNACOM) Deputy Executive Director Lindsay Barrientos, and Thames Innovation and Creative Entrepreneurship (ICE) Program Manager Kat Mallillin also discussed the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and the Philippine Creative Cities Playbook. The playbook was developed to promote and support aspiring local cities in their applications to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The panel also adopted House Resolutions 178 and 112, as well as the corresponding committee reports. HR 178 was filed by Rep. Khymer Adan Olaso (1st District, Zamboanga City), commending Mr. Adonis Castillo Asid for winning the gold medal in latin and opera categories, silver in original category, and four special awards in the 2022 World Championships of Performing Arts. Meanwhile, De Venecia authored HR 112, which congratulates and commends GIGIL, an independent creative agency, for winning bronze for the second year in a row at the 2022 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Lastly, the panel also approved the proposal to change the name of the committee to Special Committee on Creative Industries.
