2 artists share fervor amid rise in support for creative industry

MANILA – As the country celebrates Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM), two local artists shared delight and fervor over the growing support for their profession, both from the government and private sectors.

Roland Rosacay and Chito Mendoza, also known as "J. Servando," had just been given the chance to hang their masterpieces on the walls of a famous classic restaurant at the heart of Amadeo, Cavite for a free art exhibit this month.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Rosacay, 59, noted how important the government's assistance is in realizing its goal to make the Philippines the .

He lauded the administration’s effort to support the creative industries for the benefit of Filipino artists, including budding artists, by spearheading the PCIM.

The first-ever PCIM was launched on Sept. 3 through the efforts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The month-long celebration intends to showcase Filipinos' rich culture and creativity in both traditional and contemporary arts through exhibitions, workshops, competitions, discussions, and collaboration, among others.

Earlier, lawmakers expressed the need to increase fiscal support and promotion to the sector as it employs more than seven million Filipinos, contributing to the country’s economic recovery, contributing around PHP1.6 trillion in gross domestic product (GDP) last 2022.

Proud of his collaboration with the government, Rosacay said his artworks are part of the "Recuerdo" art exhibit at the Philippine Heart Center, a government corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of Presidential Decree 673.

He has also participated in a book on the history of Philippine