THE House Committee on Creative Industries, chaired by Negros Occidental Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, on Monday began deliberations on House Bills (HBs) 384, 1697, 4454, and 4728, which seek to harness the power of film and television to promote local tourism.
Benitez underscored the importance of crafting a coherent, sustainable, and globally competitive creative ecosystem that would not only strengthen the local industry but also position Philippine productions alongside those of its ASEAN neighbors.
Among the proposals is the establishment of a Philippine Film Commission and the declaration of certain areas as Creative Productive Zones (CPZs).
Quezon City Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, author of HB 384, said film and television are not merely sources of entertainment but have become cost-efficient tools for promoting travel destinations. He noted that screen exposure shapes viewers’ perceptions and appreciation of filming locations, inspiring them to visit these places.
He added that even a brief scenic sequence in a two-hour film can promote a location as a desirable tourist destination for years.
Atayde emphasized that creating a Philippine Film Commission would provide a framework for developing film and television tourism as a tool for national development. He said this would open opportunities for Filipino artists, technical crews, and local service providers to participate in international productions—enhancing the industry’s portfolio while generating jobs and investments.
Meanwhile, General Santos City Rep. Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles pointed out that the locations listed in Section 7 of HB 1697 are limited to Luzon and the Visayas. She suggested including sites in Mindanao among those that may be declared CPZs.
HB 1697 defines CPZs as ready-to-use studios and production hubs equipped with advanced digital infrastructure, including 5G connectivity.
