DTI, France Boost Ties for Creative Growth

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is strengthening its collaboration with the French Embassy to unlock the global potential of the Philippine creative industries, focusing on music, performing arts, fashion, and digital media.

In a high-level exploratory meeting held on March 25, DTI officials and representatives from the Cooperation and Cultural Action Department of the French Embassy in the Philippines discussed future cultural exchanges, capacity-building initiatives, and international market access for Filipino creatives.

“This partnership aligns with our strategic vision for the Filipino creative economy,” said Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista, Supervising Head of the DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group.

She emphasized the significance of forging strong international linkages to sustain and scale the creative sector, which has been identified as a key contributor to national economic recovery.

Discussions centered on collaboration between Filipino and French music industry stakeholders and support for initiatives under the Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan, particularly within the performing arts sector, including music, theater, and dance.

The Plan, launched to enhance the sustainability and global competitiveness of the creative workforce, is part of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11904, also known as the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act.

A major highlight of the meeting was the upcoming relaunch of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, scheduled for September during Philippine Creative Industries Month.

Flagship events will be hosted at the National Museum and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), further institutionalizing the program as a central platform for artist empowerment and industry promotion.

In line with this, the DTI is exploring partnerships with the French Institute to introduce training programs and digital distribution tools that can help Filipino creatives thrive in the global digital economy.

Also discussed was the expansion of the Malikhaing Pinoy Music Masterclass—a free training initiative aimed at artists, managers, and independent record labels—which is expected to include guest lectures from French music professionals and industry experts.

“Through cultural exchange and knowledge-sharing, we hope to create an ecosystem where Filipino creativity can flourish on the world stage,” said Atty. Gio Franco R. Gomez, Program Manager at DTI’s Creative Industries Development Office.

French Embassy officials reaffirmed their support for the Philippines’ creative development strategy.

“We are excited to deepen our cultural ties and explore how French expertise can contribute to the professionalization and global visibility of Filipino creatives,” said Mathilde Séjourné, Head of the French Embassy’s Cooperation and Cultural Action Department.

She was joined by Martin Macalintal, Audiovisual and Cultural Attaché, and Sabrina Durand, Regional Music Attaché for Asia based in Singapore.

Beyond music and performing arts, other sectors discussed included cinema, animation, fashion, and the promotion of traditional Filipino weaves in international markets—sectors identified by the DTI as high-growth potential areas under the creative economy roadmap.

Also present from the Philippine side were DTI-Bureau of Competitive Development Assistant Director Jo-Dann N. Darong, Project Officer Manu Fernandez, and regional coordinators from the DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps.

Both delegations expressed optimism about developing long-term, strategic partnerships that will enhance cultural exchange, boost export opportunities for creative products, and support the Philippines’ transition to a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.

The Philippine creative sector contributes approximately PHP1.6 trillion annually to the economy, or 7.3% of GDP, and employs more than 6 million workers, according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

With sustained investment and global collaboration, officials say the sector can play a critical role in inclusive, post-pandemic growth.