BAGUIO Representative Mark Go is aiming to empower the creative sector to spur economic development.
Go said at least 56 establishments are directly devoted to crafts and folk arts, generating gross receipts of more than P57 million in gross receipts and with empowerment from the government and private sector, can become stronger enough to be an economic driver.
“Baguio has nurtured a rich melting pot of upland and lowland cultures that has shaped the city’s thriving local economy. Baguio was cited for its strong and noteworthy industries of traditional weaving, wood and masonry sculpting, and metal crafting. Not only do these industries preserve our indigenous cultures and showcase our diverse artistic talents, Baguio’s creative sector makes up much of the city’s local tourism and trade, which contributes the lion’s share to the city’s gross domestic product,” Go said.
Go added after a meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry, ideas on how to tap raw industries in the city and its neighboring areas are being mulled to sell finished products in both local and global market.
The Baguio solon in his speech at the House of Representatives last week lauded the inclusion of the city to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Creative City Network [CCN] and called to support small and emerging industries.
“In all these, the goal is supporting productive activities, decent job creation and encouraging the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).”
Go, a businessman before venturing into politics, said MSMEs is the key towards sustainable and inclusive growth and said these industries promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work.
The Unesco recognition of Baguio for its crafts and folk arts added Go, apart from weaving and masonry traditions, the city also take pride in many of other creative outlets.
“Likewise, I am aware of the many other creative products cultivated across the country. We in the Cordilleras have as much pride with our woven traditional patterns as our Moro brothers and sisters who also have their own distinct textile designs. I know that many of our islands support vibrant music scenes. It is as if music runs in the Filipino blood. All over the world Filipino musicians are renowned for their undeniable talent and versatility. Recently, many cities are showcasing Filipino talents through film festivals and other multimedia platforms. Some districts are known for their mouthwatering cuisine while other districts inspire devotion through their religious murals and sculptures. From the mountain tops to the lowest valleys, in each and every habited island, the Philippines is filled with great potential from its creative sector, which must be unlocked through government support as means to achieving sustainable growth,” Go said.