Philippines and WIPO Unveil National Report to Strengthen Creative Economy

The Philippine 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 offers a data-driven evaluation of the country's creative ecosystem, pinpointing structural gaps and growth opportunities that can inform policymaking.

This initiative marks a significant milestone as the Philippines became the first country to pilot WIPO's Creative Economy Data Model framework. The project established a baseline measurement of the creative sector's contribution to the nation's economic growth.

According to data from the PSA, the creative economy accounts for approximately 8 percent of the Philippines' gross domestic product (GDP). It also represents about 18 percent of total employment, indicating that nearly one in five Filipino workers is engaged in creative industries.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque emphasized that the report's findings will guide the government in crafting policies to elevate Filipino talent, enhance digital intellectual property protection, and promote a transition from low-cost outsourcing to the production of 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 stated.

WIPO Deputy Director General Sylvie Forbin commended the Philippines for its pioneering role, noting that the country not only served as the first pilot nation but also contributed as a co-developer of the data model methodology.

The report aligns with Republic Act No. 11904, known as the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, and complements government initiatives such as Malikhaing Pinoy. Officials highlighted that the report will help close existing data gaps, guide sectoral reforms, support the growth of creative micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and encourage increased intellectual property creation nationwide.

During the launch, WIPO senior manager Felipe Buitrago and associate data analyst Kubra Karatas presented the report’s key findings. Representatives from the Philippine government, including DTI Deputy Executive Director Paolo Federico Ramos, PSA Assistant National Statistician Mark Pascasio, and IPOPHL Director General Teodoro Pascua, underscored the critical role of intellectual property in strengthening local creative industries.

IPOPHL Deputy Director General Ann Claire Cabochan remarked that the report introduces a more evidence-based approach to policymaking. She explained that it provides government agencies and development partners with a clearer roadmap to support Filipino creators and build a more competitive creative economy.

This collaborative effort between Philippine agencies and WIPO represents a forward-looking strategy to harness the full potential of the creative sector, ensuring that Filipino creatives and MSMEs receive stronger government backing, enhanced market access, and improved tools to protect and monetize their intellectual property.