BOAC, Marinduque — Marinduque’s burgeoning creative industries are poised to receive a significant boost with the impending approval of Proposed Ordinance No. 16-111, a legislative measure aimed at empowering local creatives through institutional support and strategic development.
The ordinance, titled “An Ordinance Providing for the Development, Promotion, and Strengthening of Creative Industries in the Province of Marinduque, Creating for the Purpose a Marinduque Creative Industries Development Council”, seeks to establish a dedicated council to spearhead initiatives that will nurture and sustain the province’s diverse creative sectors.
During a recently concluded consultative meeting held in Boac, the ordinance received widespread support from a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office, Marinduque State University, as well as local creatives such as fashion designers, moryon mask makers, kalutang masters, choreographers, tattoo and visual artists, and event and tourism professionals.
The measure, authored by Sangguniang Panlalawian Board Member Antonio Mangcucang III, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism Development and Cultural Heritage, is expected to be passed before the end of the current administration.
“This initiative presents a valuable opportunity to support and enhance the local creative sector,” said fashion designer Arsenio Salamat, one of the members of Marinduque Creative Industries. “I look forward to contributing to the development of effective strategies for its implementation,” he added.
Echoing this sentiment, creative manager and organizer Seller Nolos emphasized the transformative potential of the ordinance saying, “This isn’t just policy—it’s a movement. As the core team behind Proposed Ordinance No. 16-111, we’re shaping a future where creativity is the heartbeat of Marinduque. From our heritage to our artistry, we’re strengthening the industries that define us—giving our storytellers, makers, and visionaries the foundation to thrive. The future is creative, and it starts here!”
If approved, the ordinance will also provide funding for programs and activities designed to professionalize and commercialize the province’s creative talents while safeguarding its rich cultural traditions.
With this bold step forward, Marinduque is aligning itself with the national push to make the creative economy a key pillar of inclusive and sustainable development—proving once more that in this island province, creativity is not just alive, but thriving. — With reports from Dr. Randy T. Nobleza, Marinduquenews.com
