DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – In 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will launch a series of business-focused workshops aimed at empowering local creatives and boosting the income potential of the creative industry. These workshops will cover key areas such as financial literacy, pricing, and business management to help artists transform their craft into sustainable sources of income.
Has this ever happened to you? You express an interest in art, develop your skills, fall in love with the craft, and decide you want to pursue it for the rest of your life. You tell your parents… only to be told to “find something more practical” because “walang pera sa art-art na ‘yan.”
More often than not, creativity takes a backseat to practicality, especially for those from less privileged socioeconomic backgrounds. Fortunately, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recognizes the significance and potential of the creative industry and is committed to investing in the artistic talents of local creatives.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Philippine creative economy reached 1.72 trillion pesos in 2023, contributing 7.1 percent to the country’s gross domestic product.
DTI-Zamboanga del Norte Creative Industry Coordinator John Edgar “Jed” Macapas explained that the province is full of creative talents just waiting to be discovered.
However, empowering the creative industry goes beyond hosting events and giving artists a platform.
There’s definitely money in art, but one thing we’ve noticed is that while artists are talented, they often focus solely on creating and leave the business side to someone else,” Macapas said in an interview during Talakayan sa PIA on DXDR.
We want to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need, should they choose to make their craft a full-time source of income,” he added.
Macapas further explained that from movies to social media posts, celebrity updates, songs, and podcasts, humanity is constantly consuming art. By promoting this and investing in the local creative industry, the income generated can be significantly increased.
After hosting a series of workshops and competitions for local creatives through Lagkaw 2024: The Zamboanga del Norte Haraya Grand Creative Festival — which included Slam Poetry, Cosplay, and Songwriting Competitions — DTI is looking to expand its efforts in 2025 with additional business-focused seminars. These initiatives aim to fully capacitate and empower local artists, helping them turn their passion into a sustainable source of income(JPA/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
