Young Filipino creatives are setting new standards in innovation and artistry, with 119 students and emerging talents honored at the recently concluded Season 2 of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Young Creatives Challenge (YC2), DTI said in a news release.
Held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, the grand finale gathered the country’s most promising young minds in fields ranging from animation and graphic novels to songwriting and screenwriting.
Winners took home certificates and a combined total of over ₱20 million in prizes, underscoring the government’s commitment to fuel the next generation of creative industry leaders.
“Today marks not simply the culmination of a competition, but a celebration of the indefatigable Filipino creative spirit,” said DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Assistant Secretary Leonila T. Baluyut.
Now in its second season, YC2 drew hundreds of entries nationwide, spanning three divisions—Regular, High School, and Elementary—and eight creative categories. The winning entries stood out for their originality, compelling storytelling, and cultural relevance.
Among this year’s grand winners:
- Animation: “Rainbow Juice” by John Gerald A. Cuarto
- Game Development: “RiBeat!” by Sweet Banana
- Graphic Novel: “Foodtrip!” by Ma. Rosalie Patungan
- Online Content Creation: “The Fusion of Arts and Technology” by Mark Cedrick S. Capareda
- Playwriting: “Franchesca” by Ma. Angelica Chiuteña
- Short Screenwriting: “Dito Muna Tayo” by Khert Dahryll P. Gabayeron
- Full-Length Screenwriting: “Super Bibot” by Marvic Kevin C. Reyes
- Songwriting: “Gitna ng Kalawakan” by Kervin Kane L. Estrera
In the High School Edition, standout winners include DJAEL’s “From the Stars to You” for Graphic Novel and “Kahon” by Himunow Band for Songwriting. For the Elementary Edition, “Yomi Creates” by Jindrich Queen Naomi topped Online Content Creation.
Baluyut emphasized the growing impact of the creative sector, which contributed 8.7 percent, or ₱1.94 trillion, to the Philippines’ gross domestic product in 2024. “We remain steadfast in nurturing the country’s creative talents, who are vital to the Philippines’ innovation economy,” she added.
More than 400 students, creative professionals, and supporters attended the May 6 finale, capped with electrifying performances by OPM stars Maki and pop-rock band The Juans.
The Young Creatives Challenge is part of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program under DTI, a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening the Philippine creative economy and promoting Filipino cultural excellence on the global stage.
For the complete list of winners, visit the YC2 official Facebook page @youngcreativeschallenge.