MANILA, MAY 28, 2013 – President Benigno Aquino III has signed Republic Act no. 10557, or the Philippine Design Competitiveness Act, which will see the creation of a national design policy promoting and protecting economic competitiveness and social innovation.
Senators Teofisto "TG" Guingona and Manny Villar sought passage of the bill in 2011.
According to the manuscript, the main objective of the Design Act is to "create integrated, forward-thinking and long-range direction and strategy for the design industry". This includes the reengineering and renaming of the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines as the Design Center of the Philippines. The Design Center will be the industry’s hub for education, research and development. As part of its efforts to promote and protect the value of design, the agency will hold seminars, workshops and exhibitions, and will work closely with the Department of Trade and Industry.
On Facebook, Team Manila’s Jowee Alviar lauded the government on its move to recognize design as an industry: "Thanks to our government for investing on the creative industry. Good day for design! Thanks to Senator TG for the support."
A Design Advisory Council consisting a public-private partnership will also be established to help the Design Center in the creation and implementation of policies. DAC shall be composed of 15 members from the following government agencies: Department of Trade and Industry (including the DTI Secretary, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions and Intellectual Property Office), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Science and Technology.
The Executive Director of the Design Center shall be an ex officio member of the Council to be appointed by the President. The other six members shall come from organized associations from the private sector.
Read the full manuscript of the Philippine Design Competitiveness Act of 2013 here.
Aside from the Design Act, the President also recently approved RA 10556, declaring November 27 as "Araw ng Pagbasa", a special working holiday.
(Photo: Senator Guingona’s Official Facebook Page)
