Creatives in Malasiqui, Pangasinan are invited to participate in the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Malikhaing Pinoy Program, a funding initiative designed to support artistic projects and enhance local talents. This program is part of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, which seeks to overcome barriers in the creative industries and promote sustainable growth.
DTI Pangasinan Director Natalia Dalaten highlighted the program’s impact in a recent interview, noting it both financial and developmental assistance, aiming to elevate the province’s artistic sector.
Congressman Christopher de Venecia, who spearheaded the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, shared that the Malikhaing Pinoy Program received a PHP360 million allocation this year. This funding supports the Philippine Creative Industries Council’s initiatives, such as talent development, training, incubation, networking, export opportunities, and intellectual property support.
Dalaten emphasized that DTI is actively reaching out to creatives in Pangasinan, encouraging them to register with the agency to benefit from various programs that spotlight their work. “We reached out to the four cities in the province, prioritizing them under the Lunsod Lunsad initiative. Alaminos City, for example, received PHP757,760 in its second year,” she stated, adding that the city initially received PHP400,000 in 2023 to support its creative projects.
Supporting the Growth of Local Creatives
The Malikhaing Pinoy Program aims to support diverse creative talents by fostering sustainable economic growth and cultural development. This program benefits creatives from all fields, from digital artists and animators to architects, photographers, videographers, and chefs. It provides avenues for their growth, allowing them to access training, exposure, and resources essential for reaching wider audiences.
The Lunsod Lunsad initiative, a significant component of Malikhaing Pinoy, is specifically focused on empowering creative talents in various cities. By aiding local governments and creative organizations, it helps build an infrastructure for sustainable growth in the creative sector. Dalaten noted that the successful partnership with Alaminos City underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting creative industries at a local level.
Collaborating with Educational Institutions
To further strengthen the creative sector, De Venecia emphasized the program’s collaboration with educational institutions such as the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This partnership seeks to increase enrollment in arts and design courses, fostering a new generation of skilled creatives.
The program goes beyond traditional arts, recognizing the importance of digital creators, software developers, and game designers as contributors to the creative economy. By broadening its scope, Malikhaing Pinoy aims to keep pace with the evolving demands of the global creative industry, providing opportunities for digital and multimedia artists to excel alongside traditional creators.
Expanding Market Access for Philippine Creatives
The DTI also aims to provide access to local and international markets through its market acceleration initiatives. This program connects artists and creative professionals with potential clients and investors, enhancing their visibility and expanding their opportunities. The initiative supports intellectual property rights, ensuring that creators’ work is protected as they navigate these markets.
Additionally, DTI has initiated Creative Innovation Centers in various regions to improve creatives’ access to new technologies. These centers aim to address the limited resources available to artists, equipping them with essential tools and platforms for experimentation, networking, and production.
Future of Malikhaing Pinoy in Pangasinan
The future of Malikhaing Pinoy in Pangasinan looks promising, with DTI’s commitment to fostering an inclusive creative industry that represents all forms of art and design. The program will continue to empower local creatives through continuous funding, skill development, and exposure, encouraging new talent to participate in the growing creative economy. The DTI’s active promotion of the program in Pangasinan highlights its dedication to uplifting the province’s unique creative scene.
Video: DBM Approves 110-M Budget for Malikhaing Pinoy Program
Watch this news to learn more about how the DTI Malikhaing Pinoy Program showcases its efforts to boost the creative economy with its grants, skill development training, and market access. The video also explains how the program supports creatives in Pangasinan and across the Philippines.