Philippine Creative Economy Hits P2.12 Trillion, Eyes Regional Export Growth

The Philippine creative economy has expanded to P2.12 trillion, equivalent to 7.6% of gross domestic product (GDP), with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) positioning the sector as a major driver of exports, digital economy growth, and regional trade. DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque highlighted the sector’s contribution during the opening of the first ASEAN Creative Industries Expo by Malikhaing Pinoy (ASEAN MPEx) at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City. The sector generated P320 billion in creative goods exports and P427 billion in creative services exports, for a combined P747 billion in exports. Digital interactive goods and services, including game development and animation, accounted for nearly a fifth of total creative output and were projected to reach $2.6 billion by 2027, according to the DTI. Ms. Roque said the agency was committed to providing Filipino artists and creators with platforms to expand their work into international markets, positioning the creative sector as a source of economic growth beyond traditional art and entertainment. The DTI was also looking to the upcoming Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which was set for signing at the 49th ASEAN Summit in November, to facilitate cross-border payments, data flows and intellectual property protection across ASEAN member states. The agency also highlighted the proposed ASEAN Center of Excellence for Creative Industries (ACE-CI), which was envisioned to be hosted in the Philippines as a regional hub for policy research, capacity-building and market development. Ms. Roque said the creative industry was one of the major topics to be discussed during the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, adding that the country should leverage its creative economy to drive trade and tourism. “As we leave ASEAN this year, this is our time to shine on both the local and the global stage,” she said. “Let’s all leverage on our creative economy to make it a driver or to push as a driver again of trade and tourism.” Organized by the DTI through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council Secretariat, ASEAN MPEx brought together nine creative domains: audiovisual media, creative services, cultural sites, digital interactive media, design, performing arts, publishing and printed media, traditional cultural expressions, and visual arts. The expo featured an ASEAN Malikhaing Pinoy Pavilion, a Government Services Pavilion, a Coconut Industry Pavilion, a preview of the country’s World Expo 2025 Osaka presence and a Philippine Gastronomy feature mounted with the Department of Tourism. ASEAN MPEx 2026 featured domain exhibits, cultural performances, Malikhaing Pinoy Talks and pitching sessions connecting creators with global investors. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba