The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) jointly launched the Philippine Creative Ecosystem National Diagnostic Report on June 9 at Fairmont Makati. This report aims to provide stronger government support, wider market access, and better tools for Filipino creatives, entrepreneurs, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to protect and monetize their work.
Key Findings of the Report
The report offers a data-driven assessment of the country's creative ecosystem, identifying growth opportunities and structural gaps that policymakers can address. According to PSA data, the creative economy contributes approximately 8 percent of the Philippines' gross domestic product and accounts for roughly 18 percent of total employment, meaning nearly one in five Filipino workers is engaged in creative work.
Philippines as a Pioneer
The initiative marks a major milestone as the Philippines became the first country to pilot WIPO's Creative Economy Data Model framework. This project established a baseline for measuring the creative sector's contribution to economic growth. WIPO Deputy Director General Sylvie Forbin praised the Philippines for helping shape the framework, noting that the country served not only as the first pilot nation but also as a co-developer of the methodology.
Government Support and Policy Impact
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque stated that the findings will help the government create policies to elevate Filipino talent, strengthen digital intellectual property protection, and encourage the shift from low-cost outsourcing to high-value original content. "Our goal is to create more opportunities for Filipino creators to grow sustainable businesses and compete in the global market," Roque said.
The report supports Republic Act No. 11904, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, and complements government programs such as Malikhaing Pinoy. Officials said the findings will help close data gaps, guide reforms, support the growth of creative MSMEs, and encourage greater intellectual property creation across the country.
Presentation and Collaboration
WIPO senior manager Felipe Buitrago and associate data analyst Kubra Karatas presented the report's findings. DTI Deputy Executive Director Paolo Federico Ramos, PSA Assistant National Statistician Mark Pascasio, and IPOPHL Director General Teodoro Pascua highlighted the role of intellectual property in strengthening local creative industries. IPOPHL Deputy Director General Ann Claire Cabochan said the report ushers in a more evidence-based approach to policymaking, giving government agencies and development partners a clearer roadmap for supporting Filipino creators and building a more competitive creative economy.
