DTI and ACPI sign MOU to strengthen support for Philippine animation and creative industries

Posted: October 3, 2025
(From L-R) Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) Chairman Juan Miguel del Rosario, ACPI President Marlyn Montano, DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head Nylah Rizza Bautista, and DTI-Philippine Creative Industries Development Secretariat Acting Executive Director Lilian Salonga
(From L-R) Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) Chairman Juan Miguel del Rosario, ACPI President Marlyn Montano, DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head Nylah Rizza Bautista, and DTI-Philippine Creative Industries Development Secretariat Acting Executive Director Lilian Salonga

Taguig City, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC) Secretariat, and the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI) formally sealed a landmark partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 30 September 2025, held in conjunction with the ACPI General Membership Meeting at Huawei Technologies, Bonifacio Global City.

The signing of the MOU represents a significant milestone in government–industry collaboration to accelerate the growth of the Philippine animation sector and the broader creative industries. It affirms the shared commitment of both institutions to foster innovation, widen market access, and elevate the global competitiveness of Filipino creative talent.

DTI Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head Nylah Rizza D. Bautista delivered the keynote message, highlighting the animation industry’s critical role in driving the Philippine creative economy. In her address, she reaffirmed DTI’s commitment to champion the sector through stronger policy support, innovation-driven initiatives, and deeper industry linkages.

“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. 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,” said Asec. Bautista.

The MOU opens new avenues for collaboration by supporting capacity development programs, generating opportunities for local animators in the global marketplace, and enabling small and medium creative enterprises to scale their operations sustainably. By integrating animation into the Malikhaing Pinoy Program’s broader agenda, DTI underscores its vision of building a globally competitive and innovation-driven creative economy that harnesses the ingenuity and cultural identity of Filipinos.

The General Membership Meeting also featured industry reports, committee updates, and knowledge-sharing sessions with the Small Business Corporation, underscoring the sector’s unified drive toward growth and sustainability.

ACPI President Marlyn Montano welcomed the partnership, describing it as a forward-looking step in securing the future of Philippine animation on the world stage. She emphasized that this collaboration will expand opportunities for Filipino animators, strengthen the industry’s global standing, and pave the way for sustainable innovation and growth.

The MOU between DTI and ACPI is part of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, a flagship initiative of the Philippine government being implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry as Chairman of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council. The program is designed to elevate Filipino creativity, advance the national creative agenda, and spotlight Filipino talent, cultural heritage, and ingenuity. ♦

Date of Release: 02 October 2025