The creative industries development bill co-authored by Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) lapsed into law on Thursday, July 28 without the signature of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

It is now known as Republic Act 11904, an act providing for the development and promotion of creative industries and appropriating funds for it.

 Republic Act No. 11904 will strengthen creative industries and provide support to artists, artisans, creative professionals and entrepreneurs, Benitez said on Friday.

Benitez, co-principal author and co-sponsor of RA No. 11904, said it mandates the creation of roadmaps to cultivate Filipino talent, creativity, innovation and promote Philippine cultural heritage and artistic traditions to produce world-class creative products and services.

The law mandates the creation of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council to be chaired by the secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.*