Philippines PACE Act aims to support creative economy

Senator Bam Aquino and the musical group SB19 have co-developed Senate Bill No. 2517, known as the Philippine Agency for the Creative Economy (PACE) Act. The legislation aims to provide structural support for Filipino artists, designers, and other creative workers to help them compete in international markets.

If enacted, the bill would establish the Philippine Agency for the Creative Economy (PACE) as a primary implementing arm under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The agency would serve as the permanent Secretariat of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council and is tasked with executing a national Creative Global Market Strategy.

Key objectives of the act include streamlining visa processes, managing overseas Creative Industry Desks, and facilitating business matching and international partnerships. The measure seeks to address challenges such as red tape and financial isolation that artists face when traveling abroad. According to Senator Aquino, the creative industries contribute approximately 7.6 percent to the country’s GDP and support over 7.5 million Filipino workers.