Filipino design has become "better than others," President Marcos said, expressing his confidence that Filipino fashion and furniture design will "do well in the world market."
During the Manila FAME 2024 in Pasay City on Friday, Oct. 18, Marcos said Filipino design has become "so impressive" and is now approaching world-class.
"I have to say that it’s so impressive. I mean, I have watched the design community become better and better and better in the Philippines and approaching world-class," he said in his remarks.
"Now, I would even go so far as to say that now we are, [as] in many cases that I’ve seen here today, surpassed world-class. We are better than others," he added.
While Filipino design is already at the world class level, the more the government needs to promote it, the President stressed.
He highlighted that Filipino designs are "very Filipino" which is charming, amusing, and entertaining. He added that there is always a touch of humor, charm, softness, and gentleness in local designs.
"And it’s something that I’m sure anyone who is in a market for these designs whether it be furniture or fashion, everything else that we’ve seen today, I am so confident that we will do well in the world market," Marcos said.
These aspects, he said, would appeal to the buyers. Thus, it is crucial to promote it further on a bigger scale and be seen abroad.
"Now, the only thing — and that’s what DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) is working very hard to do is to promote it. Makita lang ito, matutuwa na ang mga buyers (Once buyers see this, they will be interested)," Marcos said.
"So, that’s what we are trying to promote and to find ways that your work can be seen abroad," Marcos said.
Design industry is 'not a small thing'
The medium-scale enterprises, Marcos added, would eventually become large-scale enterprises once "the government is able to put you now into not just the local space but the digital space, so that you are now working in the world market."
The Chief Executive underscored that there is a "very quantifiable" aspect to the design industry.
"The design industry contributes 7.1, 7.2 percent of our GDP (growth domestic product). And that is --- when you translate that into pesos, that’s trillions of pesos. So, it’s not a small thing," he said.
"So, all of the reasons for us to do this and to do it properly are there for the government, for the country, for all of our practitioners," he added. "And we will do everything that we can so that the world will know even better how good Filipinos are."
Running from Oct. 17 to 19, the exhibit invites international buyers, exhibitors, visitors and guests to explore a diverse selection of offerings.
This year’s showcase features exceptional creations from local enterprises, craftsmen and artisans, highlighting their skill in transforming the Philippines’ abundant raw materials into functional and visually captivating pieces that characterize Filipino design.
Since its inception in 1983, Manila FAME has become the country’s premier trade show for home, fashion and lifestyle products.