Design Center bolsters promotion of Philippine Design

The Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), celebrates its 43 years of service to the Philippine micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with fortified design promotion efforts. It has lined up participation in design exhibits abroad and in local design events, in addition to their current design learning programs and design assistance services.

In celebration of DCP's 43rd anniversary, an exhibit entitled "43 Years of Design" looks back at the milestone projects and programs of the agency, and the highlights of its service to the industry. From its pioneering years involving significant design research, materials development initiatives, and design education programs to equipping local manufacturers and MSMEs with upgraded design capabilities, the Design Center is now looking forward to strengthening national awareness of design as a socio-economic driver. The anniversary exhibit will run from 16-23 September 2016 at the DCP Lobby, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.

"With over four decades of service to the country, the Design Center is continually steadfast in its commitment to design excellence. We envision an institutionalized design awareness, design integration, design development and innovation, and design protection for a globally-competitive Philippines," shares Executive Director Rosvi C. Gaetos, Officer-in-Charge of DCP.

DCP is currently running Luz de la Calle, a design competition that intends to redesign the streetlights along Roxas Boulevard, Manila. This competition is the first among the Capture Manila series of yearly design competitions that challenge residents and city dwellers to reinvigorate the historical beauty of Manila. Focusing on a specific area in Manila each year, the Capture Manila design competition series encourages students and young professionals to help in the gradual development of the city.

Likewise, the Center is also preparing for a Philippine participation in the World Design Capital (WDC) 2016 at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan. The Center will present an exhibit installation that explores original design thinking and the concept of permeability as an architectural design solution to address ecological sustainability amid urban progress and evolution.

With RA 10557, also known as the Philippine Design Competitiveness Act of 2013, DCP is mandated to promote design as a creative tool for improving the quality, competitiveness and branding of Filipino products in the global market; a strategic tool of value creation for sustainable economic growth and development; and an innovative tool for enhancing the quality of human life.

More programs and services directed at the promotion of Philippine design are expected to be implemented by DCP as it is currently undergoing reorganization to align its programs to the provisions of RA 10557.