Taguig city: Citing the abundance of Filipino talent in the creative industry, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque on Friday called for stronger government and private sector tie-ups to maximize the sector's potential to boost domestic growth.

According to Philippines News Agency, in her speech during the opening of the three-day ASEAN Creative Industries Expo, organized by Malikhaing Pinoy 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Taguig City, Roque said culture and heritage are always at the heart of a nation. This belief drives the implementation of the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Malikhaing Pinoy (Creative Filipino) initiative, she said, underscoring the need to bolster the creative sector.

Roque emphasized, 'Our creative industries generate a cultural currency that draws the world to our shores. This cultural currency is no longer just an expression of identity; the creative industry is a major strength of the Philippines and a primary driver of both trade and tourism.' She stressed the importance of harnessing the sector's full potential through better policies and closer coordination among stakeholders.

Roque assured the stakeholders of the government's support, stating, 'The government will definitely assist you. (The) DTI is here to assist you as best and as aggressive(ly) as we can. But you need to tell us exactly what you need and exactly what you want so that it will be easier when we coordinate with you.'

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data show that the creative economy accounted for around 7.6 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, up 6.9 percent on an annual basis to around PHP2.12 trillion. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), industries comprising the creative economy include audio and audiovisual media; digital interactive goods and services; advertising, research and development, and other artistic services.

The sector also encompasses symbols and images; media publishing and printing; music, arts, and entertainment; visual arts; traditional cultural expressions; and art galleries, museums, ballrooms, conventions, and trade shows, and related activities. Given the wide range of these industries, Roque said stakeholders must actively help the government identify and address each subsector's specific needs.