The agreement seeks to accelerate the growth of the local animation sector and strengthen the country’s creative industries by fostering innovation, widening market access, and boosting the global competitiveness of Filipino creative talent.

DTI Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head Nylah Rizza Bautista underscored the industry’s role in driving the creative economy.

“Through this MOU, the Department of Trade and Industry, via our flagship Malikhaing Pinoy Program and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council Secretariat headed by Acting Executive Director Lilian G. Salonga, formalizes a partnership that builds on years of collaboration,” Bautista said.

“Together, we will pursue capacity-building programs for our animators, promote original Filipino content in global markets, strengthen our research and policy foundations, and co-create platforms where Filipino stories can shine,” she added.

The partnership opens up more opportunities for local animators to access global markets and aims to help small and medium creative enterprises scale their operations sustainably. Integrating animation into the Malikhaing Pinoy Program is part of DTI’s push to build a globally competitive, innovation-driven creative economy anchored on Filipino ingenuity and cultural identity.

ACPI President Marlyn Montano described the agreement as a forward-looking move that will help secure the industry’s future. She said the collaboration will expand opportunities for Filipino animators, strengthen the industry’s global standing, and pave the way for sustainable innovation and growth.

The signing took place during ACPI’s General Membership Meeting, which also featured industry reports, committee updates, and knowledge-sharing sessions with the Small Business Corporation.

The MOU forms part of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, a flagship government initiative implemented by DTI as chair of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council, designed to elevate Filipino creativity and bring local talent and heritage to the global stage.

Canva is a popular global all-in-one visual communication platform.

According to a DTI news release, the partnership aims to boost Filipino creativity by equipping micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and creatives with world-class design tools and opportunities to thrive in the global economy.

The MOU is part of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, DTI’s flagship initiative as PCIDC Chair, which promotes Filipino talent, heritage, and creativity.

The signing was represented by key officials from both parties, including DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Supervising Head and Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, PCIDC Secretariat Acting Executive Director Lilian G. Salonga, Canva Southeast Asia Regional Lead Yani Hornilla-Donato, and Canva Country Director Maisie Littua.

“Through this collaboration, we will bring initiatives such as creative workshops, mentoring for creative entrepreneurs, and caravans for digital literacy and programs that will take design skills and creative opportunities to communities nationwide,” said Assistant Secretary Bautista.

Under the MOU, DTI and Canva will pursue capacity-building, design and entrepreneurship training, and creative showcases, with Canva’s global reach boosting DTI’s creative economy push.

“We believe that we share a deep belief in the purpose of design, technology, and creativity to uplift communities, grow businesses, and create a lasting economic impact. I’m excited most for what [this partnership] can do for the Philippines and the Filipinos,” said Yani Hornilla-Donato, Canva Southeast Asia Regional Lead.

After the signing, DTI officials toured Canva Manila Campus in Makati, a workspace showcasing creativity, collaboration, and Filipino culture.