BANGKOK, THAILAND, In a high-stakes move to position Philippine creativity as a dominant force in the global export market, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has officially launched its flagship Malikhaing Pinoy program on the international stage.
The timing is strategic: the launch coincides with the Philippines’ assumption of the ASEAN Chairship 2026, signaling a bold mandate to lead the regional creative economy into a new era of growth.
The centerpiece of this international push, the Malikhaing Pinoy: Lahi Fashion Showcase, was held on January 30 at the prestigious Dusit Thani Bangkok. The event featured a collaborative collection led by the legendary Rajo Laurel, a titan of Philippine fashion with over three decades of craftsmanship.
Through Laurel’s vision, the DTI aims to bridge the gap between local artisanal MSMEs and global luxury brands, proving that Filipino design is not just a cultural asset, but a powerhouse economic sector.
Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized that creativity is now a vital pillar of the national economic agenda. Under the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (RA 11904), the sector contributed a staggering P1.94 trillion to the GDP in 2024.
“Our creative industries create a ‘currency’ that draws the world to our shores,” Secretary Roque stated. “As we lead ASEAN in 2026, we are ensuring that Philippine talent drives both trade and tourism, showcasing the very best of our islands, our history, and our people.”
While fashion took the spotlight in Bangkok, the Malikhaing Pinoy initiative encompasses nine official domains of the Philippine creative economy. The DTI’s broader strategy highlights the country’s rising dominance in:
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Audiovisual & Digital Media: A thriving hub for world-class film, animation, and game development.
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Creative Services: Highly competitive global sectors in advertising, marketing, and software creation.
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Cultural Expressions: A rich tapestry of Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and traditional crafts that form a robust ecosystem ready for global integration.
To translate runway prestige into lasting commercial success, the DTI has extended the showcase into a week-long exhibition during Bangkok Design Week 2026. From January 31 to February 5, the Malikhaing Pinoy Exhibition is hosted at the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC), located in the historic Grand Postal Office of the Charoen Krung District.
By choosing Bangkok a regional creative capital as its launchpad, the Philippines is solidifying its position as the premier creative hub of Asia, turning cultural heritage into a sustainable, high-value global brand.
