The ARTE partylist is advocating in Congress for laws to provide incentives and liberal policies for creative artists and other sectors of the arts and culture industry to protect them from intense global competition.
The ARTE Partylist comprises professionals from the Retail & Fashion, Textile & Traditional Events, Entertainment & Creative Artist sectors. Lloyd Lee, the first nominee of the ARTE partylist, stated that their party aims to give the creative Filipinos a voice in Congress.
“We are fighting for Filipinos, from architects to fashion, textile, arts, and culture, to ensure their work and talent are properly protected,” said Lloyd Lee.
The second nominee is Ann Bernardo, who has extensive knowledge in events and creative industries. The third nominee is Jonas Gaffud, CEO and President of MUPH, known in the modeling and pageantry industry.
Former Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2011 Shamcey Supsup-Lee expressed support for the ARTE partylist’s goal of providing adequate opportunities and security to Filipinos, especially in the creative industry, to prevent them from seeking greener pastures abroad. Shamcey Lee is currently the national director of MUPH and is married to Lloyd Lee, an entrepreneur.
Lloyd Lee, as part of the textile industry, revealed that he has witnessed firsthand the struggles of local businesses competing against cheap imports, resulting in many closures and job losses. The industry’s challenges are multidimensional, such as reliance on imported yarns, competitive pricing, and the impact of trade policies, Lee explained.
The current trade policy reforms have affected the industry, leading to difficulties in maintaining competitiveness.
