The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed its support for the whole-of-government initiative to develop the Philippines as Asia’s Premier Creative Hub by 2030, emphasizing the role of local government units (LGUs) in promoting and supporting the country’s creative industries.

The DILG noted that 1,637 Local Culture and Arts Councils (LCACs) have been established across the country. These councils help empower local artisans and creatives through programs focused on preserving and enriching Filipino culture and arts.

In addition, 688 LGUs have created their own Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Offices/Units (LEDIPOs), tasked with implementing local policies and programs that support the development of the creative economy.

As a member of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC), the DILG supports the implementation of the PCID Plan 2025–2034, which outlines the government’s initiatives to promote the growth of the creative sector. This is in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to empower creative professionals and highlight Filipino creativity on the global stage.

In line with Republic Act No. 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, and in celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month, the DILG joined the first-ever Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo (MPEx) led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Taguig City.

DILG Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communications Rolando C. Puno represented the Department in this event.

MPEx is a platform to showcase Philippine creativity through exhibitions in nine creative domains: Audio-Visual Media, Digital Interactive Media, Design, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Creative Services, Traditional Cultural Expressions, Cultural Sites, and Publishing and Printed Media.

According to 2024 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shared by the DTI, the creative economy contributed over 7% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provided employment to more than 7 million Filipinos.

The DILG remains committed to supporting LGUs in strengthening creativity and cultural identity at the local level, in line with national efforts to elevate the Philippines as a global leader in creative industries.

Original Article At: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-backs-creative-economy-with-LGU-support/NC-2025-1181