Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez calls for strategic investments in the creative industries, confident that the sector offers a vital stopgap solution by quickly generating jobs.
“A brighter future is within reach, but it will not be handed to us,” said Benitez.
In his first ever privilege speech, the lawmaker emphasized that creative industries are a “quick and immediate solution to the country’s economic challenges.”
“Currently, we are experiencing slow economic growth at 5.4%, weak exports, a widening job skills mismatch, and an education crisis,” Rep. Benitez explained.
To address the situation, he believes it would require major reforms in education, exports, and workforce development, and such changes will take years to produce results, but says the creative industry can provide an immediate solution.
“They are already a significant economic force, a jobs engine, and a global strength of Filipinos. With proper funding, policies, and partnerships, the creative industries can serve as both a short-term economic boost and a long-term driver of national prosperity, global competitiveness, and cultural pride,” said Benitez.
Ref/ link