DTI, Spain’s IE University Boost PH Creative Push

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is accelerating efforts to position the Philippine creative industries on the global stage through a strategic partnership with Spain’s IE University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

On March 12, DTI led discussions between IE University and Benilde to explore potential international collaborations aimed at strengthening the country’s creative and academic sectors.

“This engagement reinforces the government’s push to strengthen the Philippine creative industry through international collaborations and digital transformation,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

“Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ we are advancing a whole-of-government approach to expand opportunities for our creative sector, enhance local talent, and position the country as a globally competitive leader in innovation and design,” she added.

The initiative was organized by the DTI’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Madrid (PTIC-Madrid), led by Commercial Counselor Althea Antonio, in coordination with the DTI-Foreign Trade Service Corps (DTI-FTSC).

The Philippine Embassy in Madrid and the DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG) also played key roles in facilitating the engagement.

The meeting explored collaboration opportunities in education, sustainable fashion, and startup development, with the goal of driving innovation, nurturing Filipino talent, and increasing the global competitiveness of students and entrepreneurs.

Key areas of discussion included co-funding and scholarship programs for Filipino students and creatives, the internationalization of local higher education institutions, research partnerships, and industry-academia linkages.

Recognizing IE University’s global leadership in architecture and design, the DTI highlighted the potential for collaboration in building creative hubs throughout the Philippines.

IE University also expressed interest in working with the DTI’s Creative Industries Development Office (CIDO) on projects focused on media, entertainment, digital creative services, and creative tourism.

“Strengthening our linkages with globally renowned institutions like IE University is crucial in positioning the Philippines as a leader in the creative economy. This partnership opens up opportunities for our talents to gain world-class education and exposure,” DTI-CIG Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head Nylah Bautista highlighted.

Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Spain, IE University is among the top 10 universities worldwide, according to the QS ranking 2025. With a network of over 28 international offices, it is globally recognized for its innovative programs in marketing, business, and communication.

This engagement builds on the momentum generated during the September 2024 Philippine Creative Industries Month, during which the DTI and the Department of Foreign Affairs jointly hosted a webinar series showcasing Philippine creative industries to a global audience.

DTI-CIG Assistant Secretary Bautista convened a meeting with DTI-CIDO Assistant Director Jo-Dann Darong and DTI-FTSC Foreign Trade Service Officer Jeremiah Reyes. The meeting was also attended by representatives from DLS-CSB, including Professor Benhur Ong, Architect Gerry Torres, and Director Robin Serrano. Attendees also included the IE University delegation, comprising Chair Dr. Manuel Muñiz, Executive Director Ángeles Figueroa, and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.

The DTI’s PTIC-Madrid and FTSC remain committed to facilitating these engagements as part of its mission to enhance strategic partnerships between the Philippines and Spain through the creative industries.