Philippines, WIPO launch creative economy report

Filipino creatives, creative enterprises, and micro, small, and medium enterprises are set to receive more targeted government support, stronger market access, and better tools to protect and commercialize their original work following the launch of a national report on the country’s creative sector.

The Philippine Creative Ecosystem National Diagnostic Report was launched on June 9, 2026, at Fairmont Makati.

The report was jointly launched by the Department of Trade and Industry, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, the Philippine Statistics Authority, and the World Intellectual Property Organization.

The landmark report provides a data-driven assessment of the Philippine creative ecosystem, identifying opportunities and structural gaps that can guide future policies and programs for the sector’s growth.

The initiative is a primary output of the Creative Economy Data Model Pilot Project.

The Philippines is the first country in the world to pilot WIPO’s framework for establishing an empirical baseline to measure the creative sector’s contribution to national growth.

Recent data from the PSA’s Philippine Creative Economy Satellite Account showed that the creative sector contributes approximately 8% to national gross domestic product.

The same data showed that the sector accounts for roughly 18% of national employment, meaning about one in every five workers in the Philippines is actively engaged in a creative occupation.

Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said the report provides a data-driven plan to elevate Filipino talent.

Under the framework, the DTI will focus on strengthening digital intellectual property protection and helping the sector shift from low-cost outsourcing to high-value original creations.

The agency said it aims to use the report’s findings to give local creators better market opportunities so they can grow sustainably and compete globally.

WIPO Deputy Director General Sylvie Forbin lauded the partnership and highlighted the Philippines’ proactive role in the project.

Forbin noted that the Philippines served not only as the first pilot country but also as a co-creator of the methodology, making it a valued partner in advancing global understanding of the creative economy.

The initiative supports Republic Act No. 11904, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, which seeks to promote and develop the country’s creative industries.

It also complements national programs such as the DTI’s Malikhaing Pinoy, which supports Filipino creativity, innovation, and market expansion.

By bridging data gaps across institutions, the report is expected to help the government guide structural reforms, scale creative MSMEs, and strengthen intellectual property generation.

The report’s comprehensive findings and international framework were presented by WIPO senior manager Felipe Buitrago and associate data analyst Kubra Karatas.

Localized briefings were also delivered by DTI Deputy Executive Director Paolo Federico A. Ramos, PSA Assistant National Statistician Mark Pascasio, and IPOPHL Director General Teodoro C. Pascua.

Pascua underscored the critical role of intellectual property in reinforcing local creative value chains.

IPOPHL Deputy Director General Ann Claire C. Cabochan said the report ushers in an evidence-based era in which empirical data will actively guide national policy.

With the strategic roadmap, the Philippine government and its development partners are now positioned to design programs and policies that respond to the needs of local creators.

Officials said the long-term goal is to build a more competitive, innovative, and globally recognized Philippine creative economy.