The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has launched a comprehensive support initiative worth P75 million aimed at providing financial aid and capacity-building opportunities to over 15,000 members of the creative industry, including financial aid and other services.
The event entitled “Paglinang sa Industriya ng Paglikha,” was held Oct. 13-14 at the PhilSports Arena (ULTRA) in Pasig City and focused on uplifting professionals from the film, television, theater and radio sectors by offering a range of essential services and benefits.
The initiative was spearheaded by Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is a major proponent of the BPSF that has served more than 2.5 million families rolling out more than P10 billion worth of government services and aid in more than 24 areas in the Philippines.
“Ang BPSF ay isa sa mga programa ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos na may layuning matulungan ang bawat sektor ng ating lipunan, kabilang ang mga nasa creative industry. Ipinapakita nito na hindi natin nakakalimutan, ng pamahalaan, ang ating mga manggagawa sa larangan ng sining at media,” Romualdez said in his message to the beneficiaries.
Among those who gave messages during the event were Senator Bong Revilla Jr., ACT-CIS Party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo, Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes, Quezon City Representative Arjo Atayde, Quezon City Representative Franz Pumaren, Cavite Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla, actor and television personality Dindong Dantes of the Aktor PH or the league of Filipino actors, Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), multi-awarded movie and television personality Boots Anson Roa of the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (MOWELFUND), Paolo Villaluna of the Film Academy of the Philippines, and others.
Also present in the event were Marikina City Representative Stella Quimbo, Manila City Representative Ernix Dionisio, Parañaque City Representative Gus Tambunting, Taguig City Representative Pammy Zamora, Valenzuela City Representative Eric Martinez, and San Juan City Representative Ysabel J. Zamora, Manila Teacher Party-list Representative Virgilio S. Lacson, Taguig City Representative Ading Cruz, Jr., Caloocan City Representative Oscar Malapitan, Manila Representative Rolando Valeriano, United Senior Citizens Party-list Representative Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay, and others.
“The BPSF for the creative industry has extended a P5,000 cash aid to eligible beneficiaries under the Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP).”
Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” Gabonada Jr. said the BPSF for the creative industry has extended a P5,000 cash aid to eligible beneficiaries under the Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
True to his “Mr. Rice” nickname, the Speaker gave each of the beneficiaries 5 kilos of rice, for a total of 75,000 kilos of rice for the two-day event.
Gabonada also said this financial assistance program is part of the administration’s broader vision of supporting Filipino professionals in all sectors.
Beyond the financial aid, he said the BPSF also aims to equip the creative industry with skills and knowledge through various training sessions and industry-specific workshops. These workshops are designed to develop expertise in arts, media and entertainment, empowering participants to innovate and thrive in their respective fields.
The event, which features the participation of 23 government agencies, provides access to more than 100 essential government services, such as permits, licenses and health services, that are critical for professionals in the creative industry.
“Sa bawat serbisyong hatid ng BPSF, layunin nating gawing mas madali at abot-kamay ang mga oportunidad para sa ating mga manggagawa sa creative sector,” Romualdez said.
The fair is also a platform for industry professionals to network, exchange ideas and explore collaborative projects that can lead to greater innovation within the creative sector.
Training programs from agencies such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are part of the initiative to ensure that beneficiaries have the necessary skills to succeed in their fields. Moreover, the BPSF highlights the importance of enhancing support for Filipino arts and media, aligning with the Marcos administration’s vision of promoting sustainable growth and development across all sectors.
“Nandito ang ating gobyerno para siguraduhing may sapat na suporta at oportunidad para sa ating mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na sa mga nasa creative industry.”
“Nandito ang ating gobyerno para siguraduhing may sapat na suporta at oportunidad para sa ating mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na sa mga nasa creative industry,” he said.
The fair also promoted cultural and creative workshops, providing a space for attendees to develop their skills in arts, media and entertainment. With these sessions, the event aims to build a more robust creative ecosystem that will foster economic growth and contribute to the nation’s cultural identity. In addition to direct cash assistance, the BPSF partners with industry stakeholders to deliver job fairs and industry support programs that are tailored to the unique needs of professionals in the creative sector.
The event’s overarching goal is to provide a holistic approach to uplifting the creative industry by ensuring that all resources and opportunities are accessible to its members.
Romualdez expressed hope that the initiatives launched through the BPSF will pave the way for long-term benefits for the creative industry.
“Naniniwala ako na ang mga programa ng BPSF ay magbibigay-daan sa mas maraming oportunidad para sa ating mga kababayan sa creative sector, at magdudulot ng mas matatag na kinabukasan para sa kanila,” he concluded.
