The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially opened the first-ever ASEAN Creative Industries Expo by Malikhaing Pinoy (ASEAN MPEx) at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City, showcasing the strength and global competitiveness of the Philippines’ ₱2.12-trillion creative industry as a key growth driver for regional trade, the digital economy, and cultural exchange.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized that under the clear directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DTI is committed to providing artists and creators with the necessary platforms to scale local talents into international powerhouses.
Highlighting the sector’s momentum, Secretary Roque reported that the Philippine creative economy expanded to ₱2.12 trillion, contributing 7.6 percent to the national Gross Domestic Product. This performance includes ₱320 billion in creative goods exports and ₱427 billion in creative services exports. Digital interactive goods and services, including game development and animation, account for nearly a fifth of the total creative output and are projected to reach USD 2.6 billion by 2027.
To ensure these creative talents gain the market access they deserve, Secretary Roque emphasized that the upcoming Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)—set for signing at the 49th ASEAN Summit in November—will establish the world’s first region-wide digital trade agreement, streamlining cross-border payments, data flows, and intellectual property protection across all ASEAN Member States.
“At the heart of any great nation lies its culture and heritage, and under the Malikhaing Pinoy initiative, our creative industries generate a cultural ‘currency’ that draws the world to our shores. As we lead ASEAN in 2026, we are turning local creative talent into a regional export powerhouse. And with DEFA, we provide a single, streamlined set of rules to access regional markets, secure digital payments, and protect intellectual property—solidifying the Philippines’ position as Asia’s Premier Creative Hub by 2030,” Secretary Roque said.
Secretary Roque also highlighted the proposed ASEAN Center of Excellence for Creative Industries (ACE-CI), a Priority Economic Deliverable under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship. Envisioned to be hosted in the Philippines, the Center will serve as a permanent regional hub for policy research, capacity-building, and market development.
A Message of Support was delivered by the ASEAN Secretariat, reaffirming the role of the creative sector as a primary vehicle for fostering deeper regional integration and driving inclusive economic growth across Southeast Asia.
Organized by the DTI through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council Secretariat (PCIDCS), ASEAN MPEx brings together all nine creative domains: Audiovisual Media, Creative Services, Cultural Sites, Digital Interactive Media, Design, Performing Arts, Publishing and Printed Media, Traditional Cultural Expressions, and Visual Arts.
The exhibition floor features specialized interactive spaces, including the ASEAN Malikhaing Pinoy Pavilion displaying digital interactive elements from ASEAN Member States; a Government Services Pavilion offering business and intellectual property support; a Coconut Industry Pavilion showcasing sustainable design applications; a special preview of the country’s World Expo 2025 Osaka presence; and a Philippine Gastronomy feature mounted in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT).
ASEAN MPEx 2026 runs through 19 September 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Aura, featuring domain exhibits, live cultural performances, “Malikhaing Pinoy Talks” with policymakers, and pitching sessions connecting creators with global investors. The Malikhaing Pinoy Program remains DTI’s flagship initiative to elevate the sector and realize the vision of becoming Asia’s Premier Creative Hub by 2030.
