THE Philippine creative economy generated ₱2.12 trillion in 2025, providing livelihoods to 8.71 million Filipinos, as Negros Occidental Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” L. Benitez urged the public to help sustain the industry by buying Filipino-made products and supporting homegrown creative works.
Benitez called on Filipinos to attend local cultural and creative events, purchase Filipino books and other locally produced works, watch local productions and legally stream Filipino music.
He made the appeal as the country celebrates Creative Industries Month this September, emphasizing that consumers play a major role in keeping Filipino creativity alive and creating opportunities for local artists and creative workers.
According to Philippine Statistics Authority data cited by Benitez, the creative economy supports nearly one in every five employed Filipinos, underscoring its growing contribution to jobs and the national economy.
The lawmaker, who chairs the House Special Committee on Creative Industries, said the country’s creative potential is increasingly gaining international recognition.
Among the achievements he cited were the success of the first Filipino film to surpass ₱1 billion in worldwide earnings, BINI’s appearance at Coachella, SB19’s performance at Lollapalooza, and the inclusion of five Philippine cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Benitez said supporting Filipino creativity should not be limited to applauding artists when they succeed internationally. He urged the public to actively contribute to the industry by choosing local products and consuming Filipino creative content through legitimate channels.
“Kapag binigyan ng entablado ang Pilipino, nananalo,” Benitez said during the flag-raising ceremony at the House of Representatives.
He also pointed out that creativity is evident within Congress itself, with House employees producing legislation, publications, speeches, videos, graphics and other materials that help communicate the institution’s work to the public.
“Hindi lang gumagawa ng batas ang Kamara para sa creative industries. Isa rin itong creative industry,” Benitez said.
He specifically recognized employees involved in designing committee reports, editing session videos, producing campaign and event materials, managing library resources and preparing speeches.
“Kasama kayo sa 8.71 milyong iyon,” he told House employees.
Creative Industries Month is observed every September under Republic Act No. 11904, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act. This year’s celebration carries the theme “We Are a Creative Nation.”
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