THE BRITISH Council in the Philippines and Design Center of the Philippines have commissioned a study to analyze the economic contribution and value chain of the design industry by mapping the design ecosystem of nine areas: Manila, Makati, Quezon City, Taguig, Baguio, Pampanga, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

Recommendations from this undertaking will contribute towards the formulation of a National Design Policy to support the Philippines’ development agenda following the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on designers and creative enterprises in the country.

“The Philippines has a rich design tradition. However, its impact and contribution are not fully understood. With this mapping project, we hope to provide an evidence-based model of the country’s design ecosystem that would be instructive on how we can unleash the power of design to nurture globally competitive MSMEs (micro-small-medium enterprises) and contribute design-led strategies to nation building,” Rhea Oreta Matute, Executive Director of Design Center of the Philippines, was quoted as saying in a release.

The mapping study will be conducted by Nordicity, a London-based creative economy consultancy; Bayan Academy, known for its social enterprise work in the Philippines; and Anna Whicher, who has conducted design ecosystem studies in Wales and Scotland.

In the UK, evidence-based policies have helped spur the growth of the creative industries sector that now contributes £111 billion to the UK economy.

The results of the design economy mapping will be presented at the International Design Conference next year, which will be hosted by the Design Center of the Philippines. UNESCO has declared 2021 the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development.

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