Ilocos Region: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Ilocos Region has registered 12,166 creatives as part of the implementation of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act.
According to Philippines News Agency, the registration includes 1,373 individuals under the audio visual domain and subsector, 1,354 in digital interactive media, 1,381 in creative service, 1,349 in design domain and subsector, 1,302 in publishing and printed media, 1,313 in performing arts, 1,494 in visual arts domain and subsector, 1,371 in traditional culture and expressions, and 1,229 in cultural sites.
DTI officer-in-charge and regional director Merlie Membrere announced during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum, hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Ilocos Region, that they aim to form a committee for creative players and establish a creative hub in the region. She emphasized that one of their priorities is the creative industry.
Membrere noted that the database of registered creatives will support the development of national government programs, such as the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, which provides funding for project and talent enhancement.
Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, the principal author of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, previously stated that the Malikhaing Pinoy Program was allocated a budget of PHP360 million for 2023 and PHP110 million for 2024.
