THE PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 26, 2011: President Benigno Aquino III has declared every third week of March and October of every year as Design Week Philippines. Proclamation No. 277, dated October 20, states the government’s “desire to promote Filipino creativity” by showcasing its products and highlighting the design capability of Filipinos through activities that create awareness of local talent.
The Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines (PDDCP) were named as the lead implementing agencies. The Department of Tourism, DOT),the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) are also being tapped as co-organizers of Design Week Philippines.
The bi-annual week-long event will coincide with CITEM’s Manila FAME International, which exhibits Philippine products such as furnishings, furniture, fashion accessories and décor, primarily for export. Designers and design-related groups are encouraged to get involved in the activities.
Design studio Team Manila has expressed optimism in the move and interest in having the Manila Design Week as part of Design Week Philippines. “The Presidential Proclamation of the Design Week Philippines will contribute greatly to the creative industry,” said Team Manila Creative Director Jowee Alviar. “The creative industry is growing fast and we need more government support and partnership so we can tap the full potential of this sector. We also need more education of the public on what is design and what design can do for everyone.”
The proclamation’s first hurdle appears to be re-defining the scope of design, as the creative industries are as much about services as they are about products. Branding and industrial design firms need to be involved as much as the businesses producing the goods. Senate Bill 2930, the Design Council of the Philippines Act of 2011 filed by Sen. TG Guingona in August is pushing for a government agency taking this into account. More on the initiative here.
"I am very glad to hear about this development," said Brian Tenorio, one of the proponents of the Design Council of the Philippines. "It is my hope though that new directions and perspectives be considered by the organizers of these two weeks. We cannot solve problems with the same thinking that brought about these problems. I am sure though that this is something that the Design Industries have always wanted and that joy and passion will surely be felt by big and small businesses, the government and its contituency via better designed products and services."
Read the full text of the proclamation here at www.gov.ph.
