Legazpi City–Local artists and creative industry professionals in Legazpi City are receiving much-needed encouragement and support as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the creative sector’s economic potential.
During the Creative Mukńa Awards and Metaverse Mapping roadshow held at the Casablanca Hotel, Legazpi City, Albay on January 16, officials emphasized the growing role of the creative industry in the local economy, backed by strong funding and initiatives designed to bring local products to global markets.
The event was part of an initiative by the Legazpi City Creative Industry Council, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of creative industries such as visual arts, fashion, and other creative fields.
Government agencies, including Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), joined forces with the council to share exciting updates on available funding and support for local artists.
Noel Bunao, the Provincial Director of DTI Albay, explained that the event was part of a broader program under the “Lungsod Lunsad Program,” created by the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) Law. As part of this law, DTI has provided Legazpi City with a financial assistance grant of 2 million pesos this year, specifically to boost the creative industry.
Bunao explained that the purpose of this funding is to generate economic activity, with a focus on the creative sector, which has been identified as having a significant potential for growth.
“Last year, the creative industry contributed 1.7 trillion pesos to the country’s GDP, and this sector created 7.2 million jobs,” Bunao said.
“This is a clear indicator of its potential, and that’s why it’s being implemented nationwide. We’re lucky here in Legazpi to have secured this funding, and we’ve now been in the second year of its implementation.”
Bunao also emphasized the importance of local artists formalizing their work to access government assistance.
“We encourage our local artists to step out and formalize their work so that they can benefit from the support the government is offering. There are funding opportunities, capacity-building programs, and creative fairs coming up to help showcase their products and bring them to the global market,” he stated.
Rosemarie Quinto-Rey, Co-Chairperson of the Legazpi City Creative Industry Council, also spoke at the event, shedding light on the city’s efforts to nurture local talent.
“Last year, we realized there are many talented people here who are not being noticed. We’ve been focusing on training call center agents, but we realized that the creative sector is what Legazpi really needs,” Quinto-Rey shared.
She went on to explain the challenges faced by local artists, particularly the lack of financial support.
“One of the first things we did was apply for grants from DTI, and we also held focus group discussions with local artists. We found that many artists are shy and not outspoken, which is a barrier to getting the support they need. Some artists are outspoken, but they still need financial support and resources to grow,” she said.
Legazpi’s creative sector is deeply influenced by its unique surroundings, particularly the majestic Mt. Mayon, which has inspired many of the city’s artists.
“Mt. Mayon plays a significant role in the creativity of our local artists. It influences their work and serves as an inspiration,” Quinto-Rey noted.
She also delivered an important message to aspiring young artists: “In the past, people said there’s no money in the arts, but now, it’s the complete opposite. For the parents, we encourage you to support your children who show potential in the arts. There are many artists now who are extending their help to train the next generation of creative minds.”
In the coming days or weeks, Legazpi City is set to host more creative fairs and events to showcase local products, giving artists the opportunity to present their work to a global audience.I Jeric Lopez
