The Philippine creative industries are a vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage alongside contemporary artistic expression. Spanning music, film, visual arts, and fashion, these industries play a role in the economy while serving as platforms for storytelling and cultural exchange.
In 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the creative economy contributed P1.72 trillion, accounting for 7.1 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The rise of digital platforms has further empowered local artists, enabling them to connect with global audiences and display their talents.
In response to this changing landscape, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is spearheading efforts to position the country as a leading creative hub in Asia, collaborating closely with Indonesia. The recent Philippines-Indonesia Creative Economy Roundtable marked a turning point in strengthening ties between the two nations in this thriving sector.
The forum, spearheaded by DTI's Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Jakarta, focused on areas like policy development, research, and support for creative industries. By sharing insights and best practices, the two countries aim to foster a more vibrant and interconnected creative economy within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The event showcased the creativity and innovation of both nations. Filipino-made products, including Barong Batik designs, sustainable solutions from Pinyapel, and export-quality textiles, were displayed alongside Indonesian innovations. This exchange of ideas and products highlighted the potential for collaboration and cross-cultural exchange in the creative sector.
DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba emphasized the shared cultural foundation that makes this partnership ideal. “We are opening new pathways for collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth of our creative industries. Indonesia and the Philippines share a strong economic foundation built on mutual trade and investment,” she said.
The creative economy is a contributor to both countries' GDPs, employing many Filipinos and Indonesians. This collaboration aims to further propel its growth and sustainability.
Pangasinan House Rep. Christopher De Venecia commended the creative sector and highlighted Indonesia's advancements in digitalization, suggesting potential future partnerships. He also stressed the importance of local initiatives like Fiesta Harayas and Local Culture and Arts Councils (LCACs) in nurturing the creative economy. These grassroots efforts play a role in fostering creativity and preserving cultural heritage.
Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo expressed optimism about the partnership. He pointed to the creative economy's resilience during the pandemic and its growing contribution to Indonesia's GDP. Widjojo outlined ongoing efforts to boost Indonesia's creative economy, aiming for a 10 percent GDP share.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was also signed between the two nations, paving the way for future collaborations in policy, dialogue, and capacity building. This agreement marks the Philippines' first such MOU in the creative economy sector.
The creative industry encompasses a wide range of sectors, including advertising, architecture, design, fashion, film, music, and publishing. It plays a vital role in economic development, job creation, and cultural expression. By combining their strengths and resources, the Philippines and Indonesia are poised to forge a powerful partnership that will drive innovation, foster creativity, and enhance cultural exchange across the region.
This collaboration between the Philippines and Indonesia represents a milestone in the development of the creative economy in Southeast Asia. By working together, the two countries can leverage their unique strengths and create a more vibrant and interconnected creative ecosystem that benefits both nations and the region as a whole.