Manila, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the British Council, celebrated the resounding success of the Creative Nation Summit 2024. Held at the Rizal Park Hotel from September 30 to October 01, the summit seized the potential of the Philippine creative industries to drive economic growth and cultural development.

The first day of the summit focused on creative technology to equip Filipino creatives with the skills and knowledge to enhance content creation, productivity, and market reach. Sessions delved into the convergence of art and technology, with particular emphasis on virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence and other digital tools.

On the second day, the summit focused on the important role of creative and cultural statistics in shaping policy decisions and promoting data-driven growth in the creative sector. It emphasized the significance of creative placemaking in showcasing the value of cultivating creative ecosystems that support economic prosperity, social unity, and community development.

The convention brought together the brightest minds and leaders from across the creative industries, with over 500 industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and creative professionals from the public and private sectors.  

Undersecretary for the DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba outlined the Philippines’ goals for the sector.

“To seize the opportunities in the creative industries, the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan focus on several key areas: fostering next-gen creative capacities, building creative ecosystems, boosting entrepreneurship through R&D and tech, regenerating local economies, promoting collaborations and partnerships, and seizing market opportunities. These efforts are geared towards positioning the Philippines as Asia’s premier creative hub by 2030,” said Usec. Aldaba.

Speaking on behalf of NCCA Chair Victorino Manalo, Deputy Executive Director Marichu Tellano emphasized the critical role of the creative sector within the Philippine economy. She acknowledged the summit as a pivotal platform for inclusive dialogue, crucial in shaping the future direction of the Philippine creative economy.

Following this, Lotus Postrado, the Country Director of the British Council, highlighted the vital importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in propelling the creative economy forward. She further reaffirmed the UK’s support to enhancing cooperation, promoting cultural exchanges, and supporting the expansion of Filipino creative industries on an international level.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau, Laure Beaufils, also expressed commitment to the Philippines’ creative vision.

“For the past three years, I’ve travelled across the Philippines and been consistently inspired by the creativity and talent here—whether in music, dance, food, arts, or film. The potential is immense, and it’s fitting that we celebrate and think deeply about how we can further support the creative agenda and unleash the heritage, traditions, and culture upon which it is based,” said Beaufils.

The summit featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Dr. Marisa Henderson, Chief, Trade & Creative Economy Section, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; Mr. Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, Head of Arts, British Council Philippines; Mr. Graham Hitchen, Director of Policy and Professor of Practice, Loughborough University; Dr. Simon Ellis, Consultant to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; Mr. Tom Kihl, Partner, The Wick and Managing Director, The Loco; Ms. Esme Palaganas, Fellow, Salzburg Global Seminar for Culture, Arts, and Society’s Program on Art, AI, and Governance; Mr. John Christopher Mesana, Research Faculty, National University-Philippines; and Mr. Emerson M. Aquino, OIC – Division Chief, Philippine Statistics Authority.

Adding to the significance of the event, Congressman Christopher “Toff” De Venecia, Principal Author of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, graced the summit. He was joined by key figures in the creative industry, including Gabriel Pablo Malvar and Architect Conrad T. Onglao of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council; Mr. Guoliang Yang, Minister Counselor from the Embassy of China.

The event also saw strong representation from various government agencies and educational institutions invested in the growth of the creative sector. These included the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, Design Center of the Philippines, Benilde HIFI, CIIT College of Arts and Technology, and Likhaan.

The Creative Nation Summit served as the culminating activity of the 2024 Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM), a month-long celebration themed #WeAreACreativeNation. With over 100 co-branded and co-bannered events, the 2024 PCIM engaged thousands of creative workers and reached millions of Filipinos within the vibrant Philippine creative sector. ♦

Date of release: 04 October 2024

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