Filipino Design and Identity

ArtApp Journal #4

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jennyblush/347478626

What comes to mind when we say Filipino design? Is there a particular style or thing that comes to mind? Filipino design is a window where we can catch a glimpse of our Filipino identity. It is rooted in our Filipino identity, but is there such a thing when our culture is a mix of cultures from different countries that ruled us before we got our independence? And even now, with globalization, where one can easily reach and communicate with the world and adapt to cultures from various countries, is our Filipino identity still intact? Given the diversity of the Philippines, determining what defines Filipino culture as a whole is a difficult task. The Philippines' long history of involvement with Spain and the United States has had, and continues to have, a big influence on its identity. A good example is the impact of American beauty ideals, which are frequently used in the Philippines as a standard for attractiveness due to the prevalence of Western physical characteristics. Another instance is the rise of Christian ideology when the Spanish introduced Christianity. 

Following the adoption of the Bell Trade Act, also known as the Philippine Trade Act, the post-war Philippines experienced a restricted entry of American goods. This hinders the country's ability to produce goods that may compete with significant American products, which does not promote local product development. Filipino First Policy was a policy that was implemented by President Carlos Garcia's administration in the late 1950s and gave Filipino businesses, products, and services preference. Because of industries that create new jobs and train workers in new skills, the manufacturing sector grew as a result. This should have been a powerful motivator for design progress, but the trajectory of that expansion was sped up by reliance on crucial raw and semi-processed materials. By the 1970s, industrial productions had collapsed because manufacturing had become costly. 

Since then, we are still working on developing a unique identity that we can share with the rest of the world. What can we do to enhance and further distinguish Filipino design in the present time? By studying the cultural practices and the arts and artifacts produced by these practices, we are given a creative environment where we can express and practice our own prowess. By being involved in community projects and immersing ourselves in working with communities, we can actually learn and develop a creative thrust fueled by experience and research in order for a culture of innovative designers to flourish. There are Filipino designs which are associated with specific facets of the social and cultural landscape. But by knowing and understanding the roots of Philippine culture, collaborating with others to solve problems as a community, working within the Filipino cultural context, and pursuing research and innovation, Filipino design will emerge, it will be distinct, and it will reflect the intertwining fabric of Filipino culture. It will represent our incredibly proud Filipino identity and contribute to world culture.