DCP set to complete National Design Policy 

The Philippines' first National Design Policy is expected to be completed by the end of this year, the Design Center of the Philippines said in a report by Manila Times.

In a forum organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCP) dubbed "Italy by Design," Design Center Philippines Executive Director Rhea Matute said the mapping out of the country's design innovation ecosystem started last year. The event was hosted by ICCP Vice President Lorens Ziller.

"Last year, despite the lockdowns, we were able to engage the Philippine design and innovation ecosystem players," she said.

Matute said ecosystem data were gathered in nine cities that include Baguio, Pampanga, Quezon City, Marikina, Taguig, Makati, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao through a series of workshops participated by stakeholders.

"We were able to map out the Philippine design innovation ecosystem," she said.

"This is just a very small part of the mapping research that we've been able to do last year, and we are at the process of finalizing our recommendations at the first half of 2022 and then by the end of the year or third quarter or fourth quarter we hope to have the Philippines' first National Design Policy, which will cover the years 2022 to 2027 priorities," Matute added.

The Design Center of the Philippines, which is under the Department of Trade and Industry, is mandated to promote the use and appreciation of good design; improve the quality, range and competitiveness of Philippine goods and services; and strengthen the Philippine design industry.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez earlier said the National Design Policy would enhance product design in the country and, in turn, help boost innovation and economic growth.

It aims to utilize design concepts to grow and develop globally competitive and innovative industries. Lopez said this strategy will enable Filipinos to create well-designed products that can compete in the local and international markets, which would contribute to the growth of the country's economy.

"The most meaningful designs, creative works and innovations are those that solve social problems, not just design for design's sake. We want to promote a culture of design and innovation that can serve as higher-value services that our country can be known for," Lopez earlier said.