Senator Aquino pushes for stronger government support for PH creative industry

Senator Bam Aquino is calling for stronger and more sustained government investment in the country’s creative industry, saying it has strong potential to generate jobs, boost livelihoods, and expand the Philippines’ economic growth.

Aquino stressed that the creative sector—covering artists, filmmakers, musicians, writers, designers, and content creators—should be treated as a key pillar of the economy and given consistent funding, planning, and institutional support.

“Iyong ating creative industry, isa 'yan sa mga strength natin na kailangan talagang bigyan ng tamang suporta, tamang pondo, at tamang plano,” Aquino said.

“Maganda nga na gawing haligi ito ng ating ekonomiya at bigyan ng tamang suporta,” he added.

He said investing in Filipino creatives will not only create more employment opportunities but also help elevate Filipino talent on the global stage.

Aquino has consistently supported local artists, including during the 2022 and 2025 campaigns where he highlighted Filipino talent through collaborations with creatives, as well as during the People Power 40 Kick-Off Concert where he emphasized the importance of Filipino music.

He also recently filed Senate Resolution No. 370, which honors P-pop group BINI for becoming the first Filipino act to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California.

The resolution recognized the group’s milestone performances during the April 10 and 17, 2026 Coachella shows and was later adopted by the Senate, with BINI receiving a printed copy of the measure.

BINI—composed of Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena—was praised by Aquino for helping bring Filipino talent and artistry to a global audience.

“Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, isang Filipino group ang nagtanghal sa isa sa pinakamalaking music festivals sa buong mundo. Masasabi natin na ang tagumpay na ito ay isang Salamin ng galing at talento ng Pilipino sa pandaigdigang entablado,” Aquino said in his sponsorship speech.

“Ang tagumpay ng BINI ay isang panalong dapat ipagdiwang sa gitna ng mga hamon at krisis na kinahaharap ng ating bansa. Sa kanilang pagtatanghal sa Coachella, ipinamalas nila ang ating Filipino Pride sa pamamagitan ng pagsasama ng mga tradisyonal na elemento sa kanilang mga kasuotan, musika, at koreograpiya,” he added.

Aquino said BINI’s achievement should inspire more Filipino youth to pursue creative careers and aim for international success.

The group also expressed appreciation for the recognition, while stressing the need for broader support for Filipino creatives.

"I believe na dapat ma-share ito to all of the artists, hindi lang mga OPM artists kung ‘di pati lahat ng mga creatives out there na walang means, walang outlet, walang platform for it," BINI Maloi said.

"Naniniwala po kaming lahat na malaki ang potential ng mga Pilipino artists.ng dami pang kayang ipakita, ibigay out there globally," BINI Gwen added.

"Now is the time na tayong mga Pinoy talents, mga Pinoy creativity, Pinoy culture ay makilala din internationally. Kasi kung kaya ng ibang lahi, kayang-kaya rin nating makipagsabayan kaya now is the time! Mag-go tayo sa global stage," BINI Stacey said.