MANILA, Philippines – Veteran and emerging multi-platform artists from the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan (Mimaropa) are calling for more support from the government and public to recognize the potential of the region’s creative industry.
During a series of creative talks at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Mimaropa’s Tatak Pinoy: Obra Mimaropa trade show on October 26 in Makati City, renowned Oriental Mindoro watercolorist Rafael “Popoy” Cusi spoke about the challenges that province-based artists face in showcasing their work beyond their local communities.
Dubbed the country’s “master of watercolor,” Cusi emphasized the need for local governments to do more in supporting and promoting local artists, noting that many talents across the provinces remain unrepresented.
Cusi, who has been mentoring local artists in Mindoro, advocates for exhibiting their work in Manila. He also called for reduced taxes on art materials to help rising artists who struggle to afford expensive tools at the outset.
“Until now, very minimal support is given by the government to artisans; they don’t receive what they truly deserve. The assumption is that all artists are wealthy, but young artists cannot afford [expensive materials]. How will they learn if they’re using the wrong art materials?” Cusi told Rappler.
Empowering local painters, Cusi believes, could also benefit the tourism sector, as artists can help promote scenic spots in the province through their artwork.
At 74, Cusi plans to establish an association for Mindoro-based artists, creating an autonomous group that would represent the island’s art scene and nurture local talent awaiting recognition beyond the province.
Fashion and music
Glyn Magtibay, a 32-year-old fashion designer from Oriental Mindoro, called for expanded educational programs in fashion arts, including those provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).
Magtibay believes such programs would allow young creatives to enter the industry with formal training, acknowledging that not all aspiring artists in the province have the resources to pursue online courses, even free ones.
“Yes, social media is there, but you can’t learn everything on YouTube. I hope the national or local government provides more opportunities, especially for those still not enrolled in formal education, preferably through vocational programs,” Magtibay said.
She emphasized the importance of assigning skilled and “hands-on” instructors to ensure high-quality technical training for aspiring designers, with an emphasis on basic skills before progressing to advanced techniques.
“If they’re taught, it should start with the basics, allowing students to transform foundational skills into better creative expressions,” she added.
Silvestre Cruzado Jr., a musician from Marinduque and member of the band Hunyo, called for more organized events to showcase smaller local artists and allow them to share their work with wider audiences.
In addition to social media, Cruzado believes that inviting independent musicians to perform in larger venues could help local artists reach a broader audience. He noted that it takes about six months for a provincial band like theirs to earn P1,000 on streaming platforms, minus 20% deductions from the record label and taxes.
Cruzado also urged music platforms and the government to consider offering fairer royalties for small music artists.
Creative destination
The Tatak Pinoy: Obra Mimaropa event, held from October 24 to 27, featured over 50 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) showcasing locally made products and creative industries from the region.
DTI-Mimaropa Director Rodolfo Mariposque acknowledged that the agency is still adapting to the emerging creative ecosystem in Mimaropa.
Through regional programs, conferences, and masterclasses, the department is striving to “create space and infrastructure” to support the industry’s growth, Mariposque said.
Despite these challenges, Mariposque envisions Mimaropa as a “creative production destination” in the Philippines, aiming to establish the region as a favorite for Filipino creative production.
“Mimaropa is not fully developed yet, but we’re a vibrant community. You can visit us. We have many beautiful stories, cultural offerings, and welcoming people,” Mariposque said. – Rappler.com
*Some quotes were translated into English for brevity