The Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP) has emphasized the influential role of creators in shaping public discourse, promoting responsible content, and tackling urgent societal issues such as misinformation and fair labor practices during a recent general membership meeting.
Set against the dynamic backdrop of Manila’s ever-evolving digital landscape, the event brought together the nation’s top content creators, industry leaders, and policymakers.
A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Donald Lim, a respected figure in Philippine internet marketing. His speech resonated deeply with attendees as he discussed the latest trends in content creation and the increasing importance of authenticity in influencer marketing.
Lim also addressed the challenges creators face, particularly the impact of algorithm changes on platforms, which affect creators’ reach and income. His remarks served as a call to action, urging creators to adapt to these changes while safeguarding their creative integrity.
Another significant moment came from Congresswoman Geraldine Roman, who spoke about the ongoing TriComm hearings on disinformation. Roman’s address illuminated the far-reaching consequences of fake news, not just for politicians but for all Filipinos, especially vulnerable groups like women and minors.
“Fake news is intentionally created with malicious intent to distort reality,” she said with passion. “If you raise a generation that believes a lie, how can you build a stable future for our country?” Her powerful words resonated with many in the room, reminding them of the damaging effects of misinformation on trust, both in communities and online spaces.
CICP’s leadership team also shared their vision for the future. Jel Directo, the first female president of CICP, outlined her goal to promote collaboration between creators, brands, and agencies, establishing best practices in a rapidly changing industry. She stressed CICP’s commitment to education through initiatives designed to empower creators—from nano-influencers to mega-influencers—by providing them with the tools to optimize their craft while navigating career growth.
Mich De Guzman of Cebu Pacific and Ace Gapuz of Blogapalooza expressed their gratitude for the strong turnout, encouraging stakeholders from various sectors to unite to create a healthier digital ecosystem. Robi Domingo, head of CICP’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee, highlighted the Council’s ongoing efforts to combat online misinformation through targeted campaigns.
A particularly insightful segment featured interviews with WeTheFuture mega-influencers Spart and Sheanner Navarro, who discussed their struggles as independent creators in a commercialized industry. Known for their content centered on self-discovery, both shared concerns about how shifting platform policies could stifle their creative freedom. Their reflections underscored the need for collective advocacy to protect creators’ rights while encouraging innovation.
Other key figures from the Board of Directors who attended included Rai Clemente of Meta/Facebook, Brian Dacanay of Tier One, Jaemie Mejia of Colgate-Palmolive, Jeio Sabado of Jollibee, Bryan Yap of RGC, Drew Shaw of Redtorch, content creator Inka Magnaye, and Apple Esplana-Manansala of TNC, who is serving a second consecutive term. Also, in attendance were CICP’s 2024 president Jako de Leon, Jim Guzman of Unilab, and the founding president of CICP.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, as attendees reaffirmed their commitment to shaping the future of content creation in the Philippines. As platforms continue to evolve alongside global policy changes, CICP’s role as a unifying force for Filipino creators remains vital. The organization’s efforts to draft a Creator and Influencer Code of Ethics reflect its dedication to fostering transparency, accountability, and a stronger, more ethical industry.
