Creative industry touted as key growth driver of Phl economy

Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque on Thursday highlighted the growing role of the creative sector in fueling the country’s economic expansion, saying it is fast becoming one of the Philippines’ strongest competitive edges.

Speaking at the opening of the Malikhaing Pinoy Expo at SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City, Roque said creativity should be seen not only as culture, but also as a powerful engine for innovation, trade, tourism, and job creation.

“Creativity is not just culture; it is an industry, innovation, and our competitive edge. And it is also a source of income,” she said, citing the Philippines’ growing recognition in fields such as gaming design and animation.

In 2024, the creative industry contributed about 7.3 percent to the country’s economic growth. Roque said this momentum must be sustained through government support and wider access to finance, particularly for small players.

“We need to get out of the usual blue-collar jobs and level up. We can use the digital platform to do this,” she noted.

Roque emphasized that Filipinos are globally known for their creativity and that the government is positioning the industry as a “strategic pillar” of the economy.

“Today, we are reaffirming what we have been telling the international community: the Philippines is ready. Invest in the Filipino. Invest in the Philippines. We encourage them to invest in our ideas, our stories, and our dreams,” she added.