SB19, Bam Aquino share more details on upcoming bill for creatives

SB19 is using their influence to make things better for their fellow creatives.

When the P-pop Kings were recognized at the Senate on Monday for their historic Lollapalooza stage in July, Senator Bam Aquino revealed that the group has been helping him come up with a bill for the creative industry.

After receiving the honor, the members did a livestream to share more details on the upcoming bill.

"If you're working for a creative industry, it's hard to look for a sector dedicated for it," Josh said in a mix of English and Filipino.

He added that they go on tour for long periods to promote the Philippine culture and talents and compared creatives to athletes.

"You should be considered as one of the gems of this country because you are trying to put out our experiences and our culture to the whole world," he said.

Aquino, the principal sponsor of the Senate Resolution commending SB19, also made a brief appearance in the livestream.

"Everyone's so proud of you for what you've done and what you will accomplish," he said. "I promise that we'll work on the bill together."

Aquino said that he previously met with Pablo and Josh, who presented issues that Filipino artists face when they go abroad, such as visa issues. They then thought of putting up an agency like the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), a government institution that supports creative industries.

"We don't have that. In the Philippines, if you're an artist and you're gonna fly, you're on your own," the senator said.

"The good news here, is that we're filing the bill soon. We have support from the [Department of Trade and Industry] and once it's done, we will have a Philippine agency for our creative economy which will support our artists who are going abroad," Aquino said.

He also said that this is a way to promote Philippine culture around the world. He is hoping that the agency will be up in a year.

SB19 first brought the spotlight to the issues Filipinos artists face in their song "VISA," the lead single of their "Wakas at Simula" album released earlier this year.

Composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin, SB19 is known for their songs "MAPA," "GENTO," and "Dungka!"

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—Nika Roque/MGP, GMA News