From L to R: Director Lilian Salonga, Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba, FDCP Chairperson and CEO Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes, and FDCP Executive Director Daniel David Morales

Pasay City, Philippines––The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) championed the Philippine creative industries with the 2024 “Lunsod Lunsad” Awarding Ceremony and the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

The event, held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, recognized the innovative proposals of local government units (LGUs) aimed at boosting their creative sectors, and announced a partnership to support young filmmakers.

DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba expressed optimism for the partnership saying the program would greatly benefit local artists and people in the creative industry.

“As the lead implementing agency of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA), the DTI is deeply committed to fostering the growth and development of the creative industries,” Undersecretary Aldaba said.

The event commenced with the ceremonial signing of the MOU between the DTI and the FDCP. The partnership aims to support the grand winners (Top 10) of the YC2 Screenwriting Category in producing their film entries.

The partnership is a key component of the post-competition support for the Young Creatives Challenge (YC2), an initiative designed to identify and promote young talents in various creative fields, supported by Senator Imee Marcos.

Additionally, the MOU is set to provide substantial support to the top three winners in the YC2 Screenwriting Category, offering resources, mentorship from industry professionals, workshops, and networking opportunities with total funding of PHP 1.7 million.

Recognizing the potential of the country’s creative industries, Undersecretary Aldaba emphasized, “Through the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, we are committed to fostering the next generation of Filipino creatives. The YC2 is a testament to our dedication to nurturing talent and providing them with the necessary support to thrive in the global arena.”

Meanwhile, FDCP Chairperson and CEO Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes highlighted the significance of these initiatives to make the Philippines discover, nurture, and preserve its identity and spirit.

“For the very first time, our government is recognizing the importance of creative industries, and because of that, the challenge became more magnified.  Through creativity, we find the true meaning of Filipino, and through these programs, we can give the next generation an opportunity to be better than us,” Chairperson Reyes stated.

“By fostering the next generation of creatives, helping them find their voice, and creating an economy sustained by creativity, we can ensure a vibrant and innovative future for the Philippines,” he added.

The YC2 finalists in the Screenwriting Category include:

  • John Peter Chua – “Fishing the Moon out of Water”
  • Mark Terence Molave – “Angela and her Dying Lola”
  • Elianna Manzano – “For Sale”

YC2 Season 2, in collaboration with the Office of Senator Imee Marcos, is set to start in September 2024. It will introduce high school and elementary editions to expand the reach and impact of this transformative program.

Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba during the 2024 Lunsod Lunsad Awarding and ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Film Development Council of the Philippines

The event also highlighted the “Lunsod Lunsad” Awarding Ceremony, which acknowledged the innovative proposals submitted by LGUs across the nation.

This year’s “Lunsod Lunsad” call for proposals, focusing on “Boosting Competitive and Creative Cities,” saw an enthusiastic response, with 62 cities nationwide. Currently, the Philippines hosts three United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-designated creative cities: Baguio City for Crafts and Folk Arts, Cebu City for Design, and Iloilo City for Gastronomy.

Launched in 2023, the “Lunsod Lunsad” project, with the theme “A Call for Creative Proposals towards Building Creative Cities,” is a flagship initiative of the DTI under the Malikhaing Pinoy Program.

The event was also attended by key government officials, including DTI Undersecretary Ed Sunico and Congresswoman Lani Mercado-Revilla. ♦

Date of release: 08 August 2024

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