ILOILO CITY — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is pushing to strengthen the country’s creative workforce by expanding access to digital tools, training programs, and opportunities for upskilling under its Digital Bayanihan initiative.
DICT Undersecretary Leandro Angelo Aguirre emphasized the importance of connecting local creatives to broader opportunities that can help develop their skills and open pathways to both national and global markets.
He said the government aims to support creative professionals by providing access to tools and platforms that will enhance their capabilities and expand their reach in the digital economy.
Aguirre made the statement during the launch of the first Lakbay Likha: Digital Creative Roadshow in Iloilo City, an initiative designed to nurture local talent in content creation, emerging technologies, and intellectual property awareness. The program also seeks to strengthen creative communities and prepare them for global market opportunities.
He added that the roadshow also serves as a venue for government agencies to better understand the needs and challenges of creatives on the ground, allowing them to design more responsive programs and policies.
Under Republic Act 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Act, the creative sector covers various fields including audio-visual media, digital interactive media, design, publishing, performing arts, visual arts, traditional cultural expressions, and cultural sites.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 highlighted the Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan 2025–2034, which outlines long-term strategies to further develop the country’s creative ecosystem.
DTI Trade Industry Development Specialist and Regional Creative Industries Focal Ariane Fuentespina said the creative sector continues to grow alongside the national economy, contributing around 7.6% to the Gross Domestic Product in 2025, with a total value of ₱2.12 trillion.
She said this growth demonstrates that the creative industry has become a stable and significant contributor to the country’s economic development.
The Lakbay Likha: Digital Creative Roadshow is part of DICT’s broader Digital Bayanihan campaign, led by its Information and Communications Technology Industry Development Bureau in partnership with the SIKAP Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines, Inc.
The event gathered students, freelancers, MSMEs, startup founders, and professionals from various creative fields including animation, education, communication, marketing, journalism, film, arts, and information technology.
NPO NEWS TEAM | PIA - PR
