Manila: The Philippine creative economy expanded by 6.9 percent, reaching PHP2.12 trillion in 2025 compared to PHP1.98 trillion in 2024, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Thursday. The sector represented 7.6 percent of the national gross domestic product.
According to Philippines News Agency, the symbols and images sector and related activities contributed the largest portion, amounting to PHP670.15 billion or 31 percent of the total gross value added. Digital interactive goods and services followed with a 19.7 percent share, while advertising, research and development, and other artistic services made up 15.9 percent.
Despite a 0.4 percent decrease in creative employment to 8.71 million from 8.74 million the previous year, it still accounted for 17.8 percent of overall employment. Traditional cultural expression activities led job provision with a 33 percent share, followed by symbols and images at 27.1 percent, and advertising, R and D, and other artistic services at 23.7 percent.
The sector also saw a 2 percent increase in creative collective consumption, rising to PHP16.49 billion from PHP16.17 billion. Exports of creative goods reached PHP320 billion, while services exports totaled PHP426.99 billion. Imports were noted at PHP711.48 billion for goods and PHP138 billion for services.
The creative economy encompasses industries such as audiovisual media, publishing and printing, music and performing arts, visual arts, and cultural venues like galleries, museums, conventions, and trade shows.
