Creative Economy Generates ₱1.94 Trillion, 7.5 Million Jobs In 2024

The Philippines' creative economy generated ₱1.94 trillion in value and supported 7.51 million jobs in 2024, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) or Republic Act No. 11904 provides a comprehensive framework for strengthening the country’s creative ecosystem and unlocking its full economic potential. I Photo: GoNegosyo Facebook

The figure includes industries and individuals directly or indirectly involved in the creation, production, performance, broadcasting, exhibition, sale, and distribution of creative works, in accordance with intellectual property laws and regulations.

Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized the sector's growing contribution to national development. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that creative industries accounted for 15.4% of total employment last year.

Speaking at the Creative Entrepreneurship Summit, Roque reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the sector, with the goal of making the Philippines the leading creative economy in ASEAN by 2030.

A key driver of this vision is the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) or Republic Act No. 11904, signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 28, 2022.

The law provides a comprehensive framework for strengthening the country’s creative ecosystem and unlocking its full economic potential.

“It is the policy of the State to promote and support the development of Philippine creative industries by protecting and strengthening the rights and capacities of creative firms, artists, artisans, creators, workers, indigenous cultural communities, content providers, and other stakeholders,” the law states.

RA 11904 mandates a long-term strategic plan for industry development, with a focus on job creation, human resource development, financial support mechanisms, and incentives that elevate Filipino creative excellence.

“We are witnessing a movement where creativity is no longer seen as just a hobby, but as a business, a profession, and a driver of national growth,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said during the summit.

Speaking to creative micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Frasco added: “We are with you in navigating the challenges of business development, digitalization, and scaling up. We believe in your talent—and more importantly, your potential.”

Roque stressed that the DTI remains focused on empowering Filipinos through entrepreneurship. “Through the PCIDA, we are building the foundation of a sustainable, globally competitive creative Bagong Pilipinas,” she said.

She also encouraged creatives to keep “turning passion into profit” and “creativity into commerce.”

Organized by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship–Go Negosyo, the Creative Entrepreneurship Summit 2025 convened thought leaders, policymakers, private sector champions, innovators, and entrepreneurs with a shared vision of uplifting Filipino lives through creative enterprise.