Quezon City 1st district Rep. Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde (Facebook)

Quezon City 1st district Rep. Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde says he is “very optimistic” that the Philippines can become a global force in entertainment similar to behemoths South Korea and India as long as there's ample support from the government.

Atayde gave this message during the opening of the two-day Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) on Sunday, Oct. 13, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Unlike regular BPSFs that targeted underprivileged communities, the Pasig event was specifically aimed at uplifting those working in the film, television, theater, and radio industries.

“Sa tamang suporta maaari nating buuin ang isang industriya na hindi lamang nagsusulong ng ating sining at kultura kundi nagbibigay rin ng malaking ambag sa ating ekonomiya,” Atayde said in a speech.

(With the right support we can build an industry that not only promotes our arts and culture but also contributes greatly to our economy.)

“This is why programs like this, sa ating (in our) Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, are so important because they represent an investment in talents and creativities of the Filipinos,” he added.

Atayde, an actor-turned-politician who starred in several Filipino films and TV shows, notes that the Philippines is able showcase its talents and culture to the world through this mradium.

Aside from providing a platform for creativity, the Atayde says that the entertainment industry also serves as a positive contributor to the economy.

He cited that in 2020 alone, the South Korean entertainment industry contributed $10.7 billion to its economy.

The "Hallyu Wave", he said, referred to the rapid spread of Korean popular culture in the form of Korean films, television, and drama.

“Beyond the numbers, it created millions of jobs and elevated their culture to the world stage,” noted Atayde.

The congressman also cited India’s Bollywood industry, which contributes more than $2.7 billion annually to its economy. This has established India as a “global leader” in entertainment, he said.

Based on recent estimates, the Philippine film industry generates approximately P11 billion annually. It employs more than 760,000 Filipinos, directly and indirectly.

Atayde explained that the industry stimulates the growth of auxiliary industries, such as catering, transportation, tourism, and advertising, among others.

“It is a positive domino effect that generates profit all over the country through different businesses,” he continued.

Currently, the Quezon City solon says there are already initiative in the House of Representatives to strengthen the local entertainment industry.

He mentioned the recently-enacted Republic Act (RA) No. 11996, or the Eddie Garcia Law, which ensured safer working conditions and better welfare provisions for those working in the industry.

“We must continue to create programs and policies that support our creative professionals. These efforts not only nurture talent but also preserve the rich cultural fabric that binds us together as people,” said Atayde.

“Just like South Korea and India, we can build together—all of us—an industry that supports artists, showcases our culture, and strengthens our economy,” he stressed.