The Department of Trade and Industry hosted a high-level meeting with the Cooperation and Cultural Action Department of the French Embassy to the Philippines. The meeting aimed to identify new opportunities for collaboration in the creative industries.
Through its Creative Industries Development Office (CIDO), the DTI is dedicated to fostering cultural dialogue and supporting the creative industry. The department plays a key role in facilitating artistic exchanges, strengthening intellectual property protection, and expanding global market access for creatives.
Discussions centered on strengthening exchanges between Filipino and French music industry delegates, aligning with the DTI’s strategic vision for the Filipino creative economy. The meeting also provided a platform to engage with key representatives from the French government and cultural institutions, fostering dialogue on potential collaborations and initiatives to support the growth of the Philippine music industry and broaden its global reach.
A key highlight of the discussions was the Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan, particularly in the performing arts sector, covering theater, dance, and music. The Plan aims to provide a structured roadmap for industry growth, ensuring the sustainability and global competitiveness of Filipino creatives.
Integral to this vision is the upcoming relaunch of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, set to coincide with the Philippine Creative Industries Month in September. The relaunch will feature flagship events at the National Museum of the Philippines and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), reinforcing the government’s commitment to nurturing the creative economy. In line with this, collaborations with the French Institute are also being explored to provide training programs and digital distribution support for Filipino creatives.
Additionally, the Malikhaing Pinoy Music Masterclass, a free educational program designed for artists, managers, and independent labels, was presented as a key initiative to strengthen the local music industry. Beyond music, the discussions also explored potential partnerships in cinema, animation, fashion, and the integration of traditional weaves in international markets, further expanding opportunities for Filipino creatives on the global stage. The possibility of engaging French masterclass professors and experts in future sessions was also considered.
The meeting was attended by key officials from the French delegation, including Mrs. Mathilde Séjourné, Head of Cooperation and Cultural Action Department of the French Embassy to the Philippines and Micronesia; Mr. Martin Macalintal, Audiovisual and Cultural Attaché of the French Embassy to the Philippines and Micronesia; and Mrs. Sabrina Durand, Regional Music Attaché for Asia of the Embassy of France in Singapore.
The Philippine delegation was led by Competitiveness and Innovation Group Supervising Head and Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista, along with DTI-Bureau of Competitive Development Assistant Director Jo-Dann N. Darong, Program Manager Gio Franco Gomez, Project Officer Manu Fernandez, DTI-Foreign Trade Service Corps representatives, Regional Coordinator for Europe and the Middle East Rain Anne Mojica, and Regional Coordinator for ASEAN Micah Dianne Reoyan.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering long-term, strategic partnerships in the creative sector by strengthening cultural exchanges, advancing capacity-building initiatives, and expanding market access for Filipino creatives, paving the way for greater international collaboration and industry growth.
