Western Visayas creatives spotlighted at 2025 DTI gab

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A full house gathered for the 2025 Online Slingshot Region 6: Western Visayas Digital Creatives Conference on Sept. 18, 2025, at District 21 Hotel in Iloilo City, where creatives and innovators converged to shape the region’s future in the global digital content market.

Now in its sixth year, Online Slingshot Region 6 (OSR6) has evolved into a premier platform for collaboration among startups, creatives, government, the academe, and industry players.

Co-presented by the Department of Trade and Industry Region VI (DTI VI), Innovate Iloilo, and Mulave Studios, this year’s edition focused for the first time on creative industries—aligning with the celebration of Philippine Creative Industries Month and the Western Visayas Innovative Startup Fest.

In her opening message, DTI VI OIC-Regional Director Ma. Dinda R. Tamayo reflected on the agency’s journey since OSR6’s launch in 2020.

“We started our support to startups way back in 2020 through this very platform, the Online Slingshot Region 6,” Tamayo said.

“We made significant strides in advancing government support to startups and innovators amidst the health crisis, and surviving it gave us the courage to continue.”

She highlighted the Moonshot TNK Pitching Competition, which enabled both tech and non-tech startups to develop solutions to challenges in health, poverty, education, and the environment.

For 2025, Tamayo emphasized that OSR6 is expanding to highlight creative industries, including digital arts, visual and performing arts, audiovisual media, film, and traditional cultural expressions, now recognized under Republic Act 11904, the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act.

“We take pride in highlighting this diverse and often elusive sector,” she added.

“Online Slingshot Region 6 is not just a venue to pitch innovation, but also a way to recognize the strength we have as a region so we can brace for more challenges in the future.”

Tamayo also acknowledged the vital contributions of partners, including the Provincial Government of Iloilo, Iloilo City Government, DICT, DOST, TESDA, Innovate Iloilo, PCCI Iloilo, Mulave Studios, UMWAD Western Visayas, IPOPHL, and several universities.

She expressed gratitude to DTI’s long-time partners for supporting startups and innovators.

More than 100 participants joined sessions on animation production, intellectual property rights, and business strategies for creative professionals.

The event also featured a ceremonial digital signing of a Pledge of Commitment, with representatives from the academe, DTI, DICT, DOST, TESDA, PCCI Iloilo, and the Animation Council of the Philippines affirming their support for the region’s creative economy.

A fireside chat brought together policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to explore how Western Visayas can strengthen its creative ecosystem by bridging the gap between talent development, innovation, and market opportunities.

Acclaimed Filipino American animation director Bobby Pontillas (Sun Chaser) inspired local animators by urging them to embrace their identity and share authentic Filipino stories with the world.

With a portfolio that includes Moana, Rio, Wreck-It Ralph, and Frozen, Pontillas shared valuable insights from his experience in global studios and encouraged young artists and entrepreneurs to pursue excellence and claim their space in the global digital industry.

Ruel Benliro Jr., COO of Mulave Studios, announced the relaunch of Mulave Academy, which will offer new professional courses in animation, digital marketing, and content creation.

Jo-Dann Darong, acting deputy executive director of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council Secretariat and assistant director of the DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group’s Bureau of Competitive Development, outlined national strategies to position Filipino creativity as a global export.

Marianne Tajanlangit-Bebit of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) stressed the importance of protecting copyrights, trademarks, and licensing, noting that many Filipino creatives lose ownership of their work to international clients.

Several universities, including West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Central Philippine University (CPU), joined discussions on bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Ma. Christina Quijano, dean of the CPU College of Computer Studies, highlighted efforts to provide students with productivity tools and industry exposure despite financial barriers.

WVSU College of Information and Communications Technology Dean Ma. Beth Concepcion emphasized the importance of nurturing creative talent while building programs that help students monetize their skills.

Marie Arriessa Lane Ko of DEVCON Philippines shared that the region’s developer community is mentoring indie game teams, one of which was recently shortlisted for the Globe Gaming Awards.

Adding vibrance to the event was the Artist’s Alley at the Diamond Hall lobby, where local digital creatives displayed their work.

Participants explored original pieces from WeavingCat x Vinny.nini, Dewsi x Hermit, Pasyon Comics, Drowzy DLC, and Renderu x Weezsp—offering a glimpse into Western Visayas’ emerging digital artistry.

The conference concluded with recognition for local artists and graduates of DTI VI’s Moonshot TNK ASPIRE Bootcamp.

Organizers announced that new mentorship programs, startup support initiatives, and investor linkages will roll out in the coming months.

Renan Herrera of Innovate Iloilo closed the event with a message of unity and determination.

“Let us continue to build on the connections, conversations, and the creativity that started here,” Herrera said.

“The future of Western Visayas as a creative hub does not rest on one organization alone—it rests in all of us, working together.”