PHL targets ASEAN creative economy leadership by 2030

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The Philippines is set to become a leading creative economy in Asia and top the ASEAN region by 2030, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual.

During an official mission in the United Kingdom, the DTI chief, who also chairs the Philippines’ Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) Council, outlined ambitious plans for the nation’s creative sectors.

“The current Philippine government administration, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is steadfast in its priority to develop our creative industries, protect the intellectual property rights of our creatives, and strengthen their capabilities,” Pascual said in a press release.

He emphasized the integral role of creativity in national development, stating, “Creativity is the foundation of innovation, and through innovation, creativity has the power to make a global impact.”

The PCIDA delegation’s visit to the UK from May 8-10 aims to advance the country’s creative economy agenda through high-level meetings, workshops, and cultural exchanges.

These interactions are designed to gain insights from the UK’s thriving creative ecosystem and to establish strategic partnerships.

DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba highlighted the critical role of innovation in advancing the creative industries.

“While creativity ignites the initial spark of an idea, it is innovation that transforms and diversifies that idea into various expressions and tangible outcomes, creating economic value,” Aldaba noted.

The mission demonstrates a whole-of-government approach, involving representatives from the PCIDC’s ex officio member agencies, including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

The PCIDC, a 19-member council comprising 10 ex officio members and nine from the private sector representing the nine creative domains, is pivotal in fostering the growth of the creative economy.

In September 2023, the DTI and the British Council signed a memorandum of understanding to further this goal, enhancing collaboration and shared learning between the Philippines and the UK. This partnership is expected to open more doors for cross-cultural exchange and collaborative growth, solidifying the Philippines’ path toward becoming a leading creative economy by 2030.