Bangkok, Thailand—In a strategic move to bring the Philippine creative industries in the global stage, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially brought its flagship Malikhaing Pinoy program to international shores. The launch coincides with the Philippines’ assumption of the ASEAN Chairship 2026, signaling a bold commitment to leading the region’s creative economy.
The Malikhaing Pinoy: Lahi Fashion Showcase served as the DTI’s primary vehicle for demonstrating Filipino design excellence to the world. By featuring a collaborative collection led by renowned designer Rajo Laurel, the DTI aims to transform local creative talent into a powerhouse export sector. With over three decades of experience, Laurel is a celebrated pillar of Philippine fashion known for his work and craftmanship.
Held on 30 January at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, the showcase was a curated expression of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan (PCIDP), focusing on scaling Filipino artisans from local MSMEs into international brands.
The DTI, through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC-Bangkok) and in partnership with Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA), selected Bangkok as the launchpad for this international push. Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized that as the Philippines takes the helm of ASEAN this year, the creative sector has become a vital pillar of the national and regional economic agenda.
“At the heart of any great nation lies its culture and heritage. As we lead ASEAN in 2026, we are showing our Southeast Asian neighbors our cultural heritage. Our Chairship provides a platform for our creative sector and talents to take centerstage ensuring that the Philippine creative sector drives trade and tourism,” Secretary Roque emphasized.
While the Bangkok showcase highlighted the fashion domain, the DTI’s broader strategy includes highlighting the full strength of the Philippine creative sector across its nine official domains under the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (RA 11904). Beyond fashion and textiles, the Philippines is a rising leader in Audiovisual Media, with a thriving film and animation industry, and Digital Interactive Media, where Filipino game developers and software creators are gaining global presence.
The country’s Creative Services—including advertising and marketing—remain highly competitive, while the Publishing and Printed Media and Performing Arts domains continue to produce world-class literary and theatrical talent. Furthermore, the Philippines’ rich cultural identity is preserved and promoted through the Visual Arts, Traditional Cultural Expressions (such as culinary arts and crafts), and the preservation of Cultural Sites, all of which contribute to a robust and diverse creative ecosystem ready for global integration.
“Under the Malikhaing Pinoy initiative, we are treating our creative sector as a vital pillar of our economic growth, contributing PHP1.94 trillion in our GDP in 2024. These industries create a ‘currency’ that draws the world to our shores. When the world sees our creative talent in different domains, they see our islands, our history, and our people, and the best of the Philippines.” the DTI chief stated.
To ensure the Malikhaing Pinoy initiative generates lasting commercial interest beyond the runway, the DTI has extended the showcase into a week-long exhibition during Bangkok Design Week 2026. Running from 31 January to 05 February 2026, the Malikhaing Pinoy Exhibition is located on the 5th Floor of the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC) at the historic Grand Postal Office in the Charoen Krung District.
Through the Malikhaing Pinoy, we are solidifying the Philippines’ position as a premier creative hub in Asia.
