THE NATIONAL Economic Development Authority (Neda) XI collaborated with the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Trade and Industry to craft the Davao Region Creatives Industry Roadmap 2024-2030.
The road is the first-ever such plan in the country, serving as a blueprint for public and private sector stakeholders to harness the full potential of the creative industries while promoting and preserving the region’s heritage.
During the Fiestakucha Kadayawan 2023 on Sept. 26 where the roadmap was formally presented, Arvin Manuel Villalon, NCCA commissioner, highlighted the need for government agencies and the stakeholders to preserve the environment and culture.
“Sabi ng mga kapatid nating indigenous cultural communities, walang creative industry if you don’t protect the environment because the source of creativity comes from the environment. We’re not just talking about the materials but also the inspiration,” Villalon said.
NEDA-XI is in the final stages of completing its research and development through the project steering committee as the conceptualization started in 2021. The government recognized the need to develop a program to maximize the potential of Filipino creativity in contributing to the Philippine economy.
The roadmap holds the goals, strategies, policies, programs, activities, and projects intended for the nine creative industry domains, such as the audiovisual media, digital interactive media, creative services, design, publishing and printed media, performing arts, visual arts, traditional cultural expressions, cultural sites, and education as an alternate area.
In line with this, Maria Belenda Ambi, DTI XI regional director, said local cultural mapping is ongoing to identify the players and the beneficiaries considering the diverse sub-sectors under the creative industry umbrella.
She also admitted the scarcity of data that would give them the full picture of the weaving industry, for instance. While the NCCA started the cultural mapping, the full scope of the task remains a challenge.
The DTI XI organized two-day Davao Region Weaving Congress starting on Oct. 9 to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the industry, ultimately helping the IPs and the custodians of the traditional handwoven practice.
