Creative industry bats for acknowledgment, support from gov't

CEBU, Philippines - The creative industries sector, particularly the arts and culture, is seen to be a double-growth driver of the national and local economy once given the proper acknowledgement and ample support by the government.

This is according to Kaloy Uypuangco, well-renowned production designer of the leading home-grown Above the Line Productions for films like My Paranormal Romance, Dili Ingon Nato and Bourne Legacy.

He said that the creative industries sector, which is an underserved market, should be worthy of the government's support since they are also responsible of their tax obligations as industry players.

He added that it is high time to have a revolutionized approach for the arts and culture to propel the national economy further and be known globally.

In a survey of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), the creative sector in the Philippines accounted a contribution of 5.2 percent of the total country's gross domestic product or about to US$592 million.

In 2008, Cebu was dubbed as the Creative City in the Philippines while it was named as the first-ever Asean City of Culture in Asia in July 2011.

Uypuangco further noted that there is the common misconception of the contribution of the arts and culture sector to the society since they are seen not to be revenue-earning even if it is the other way around.

"They don't get it, they don't seem to care," he added.

Aside from the rich culture and history in the country, he said that the country is also abundant in terms of creative design, tourism, new media and other sustainable resources.

Unlike in other countries that even compete to attract film enthusiasts, he said that the Philippines does not have a systematic avenue where to acquire permit to shoot and pay certain fees and taxes.

Uypuangco then recommended the establishment of a film commission where local and international filmmakers could be provided with the list of ideal locations they need for shooting purposes and be given the right assistance they deserve.

He also suggested that the government put up movie houses dedicated for independent cinemas, art houses, libraries, museums and galleries, among others, as a means of support to the creative industries.

For instance, he said, the Cebu International Convention Center could house art galleries and exhibits for local artists.

He cited that countries worthy to be emulated include Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Europe, and United States wherein the industry players of the creative sector are protected by the government.

"We just hope that the Philippine government would focus on the arts and culture. That's it," he concluded.

Uypuangco serves as a mentor of the University of the Visayas School of New Media and Design (UVNS) that recently launched its one-year flagship program for visual design and digital filmmaking that will start next month.  (FREEMAN)