Don’t just admire local art, buy it

The call comes amid DTI’s Tatak Pinoy campaign, which encourages Filipinos to recognize, choose and promote locally made products and services.

Filipinos are being urged to go beyond admiring local art and actively support artists by visiting exhibits, buying their works and sharing their stories.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Joee Guilas made the call during the “Haraya” exhibit of the Lopenze Artist Group, stressing that patronage is crucial to sustaining the country’s creative community.

“Let us support them not only by admiring their talent, but also by visiting exhibits, purchasing their works, and sharing their stories,” Guilas said.

“When we patronize Philippine art, we help sustain local artists, strengthen creative communities, and open opportunities for future generations.”

Guilas said every artwork represents more than its finished form, carrying the “time, skill, culture, and passion woven into every Filipino creation.”

He linked the call to the DTI’s Tatak Pinoy campaign, which encourages Filipinos to recognize, choose and promote proudly Filipino products and services.

“Choosing Philippine art is one meaningful way of saying that Filipino talent is world-class and deserving of our confidence and support,” Guilas said.

The “Haraya” exhibit showcases the depth and diversity of contemporary Philippine art while giving local artists a platform to bring their works to a wider audience.

For Guilas, supporting these artists can start with simple choices—from attending exhibitions and purchasing artworks to introducing Filipino creatives and their works to others.

“Let us make patronizing local art part of our everyday celebration of being Filipino—at home, in our communities, and on the global stage,” he said.

The exhibit formally opened with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting led by Guilas and Lopenze Artist Group head Tres Roman, highlighting the shared effort between government and the creative sector to uplift and sustain homegrown art.

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