Senator Loren Legarda said the country’s growing creative economy should result in better jobs and livelihoods for Filipino artists, artisans and other cultural workers.
Legarda made the call as the country observes Philippine Creative Industries Month this September under the theme “We Are a Creative Nation.”
Figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that the creative economy generated P2.12 trillion in 2025, up 6.9% from P1.98 trillion the previous year.
The sector also supported 8.71 million jobs, or 17.8% of total employment in the country.
But Legarda said the figures should not be the only measure of success.
“Filipino creativity is more than talent to be admired. Para sa marami nating kababayan, ito ay trabaho at kabuhayan,” she said.
She said the government should also ask whether the people actually creating these products and works are earning enough from them.
“These figures show how much Filipino creativity already contributes to our economy. Pero ang mahalagang tanong ay kung umabot ba ang paglago ng ekonomiya sa mismong mga taong lumikha,” Legarda said.
She cited local weavers, musicians, filmmakers, designers and other artists who need access to markets if they are to turn their skills into sustainable livelihoods.
Protecting culture also means making sure people can make a living from it, according to her.
“Hindi sapat ang palakpak, paghanga, at parangal kung kulang naman ang suporta para maalalayan ito,” Legarda said.
She said artists and cultural workers need training, financing, protection for their work and access to larger markets.
Legarda warned that traditional practices could eventually disappear if younger generations no longer see them as a viable source of livelihood.
“The Filipino has never lacked imagination or talent. What our creatives need are doors that stay open, with access to training, protection, financing, markets, and institutions that believe in their work,” she said.IMT
