Roxas City, Capiz – August 30, 2024 – The 9th Creative Congress (CreaCon), held at the Circulo Convention Center in Roxas City, served as a critical convergence point for leaders and innovators in the Philippines’ rapidly expanding creative and ICT industries. The event attracted key stakeholders from the government, private sector, and academia, highlighting the significant economic potential and growth opportunities within these sectors. The annual CreaCon is a signature event of the every Visayas ICT Cluster Conference (VICTOR) of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP).

The congress opened with a formal welcome by Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development at the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Atty. Batapa-Sigue, a recognized leader in the ICT sector, delivered an impactful opening address. She emphasized the importance of regional development in the ICT industry, noting the need for sustained innovation and ecosystem building to drive economic growth, particularly in the provinces.

“By focusing on local talent and fostering innovation outside Metro Manila, we can create a more inclusive and dynamic ICT industry that benefits all Filipinos,” Atty. Batapa-Sigue stated, setting a forward-looking tone for the event.

Following the keynote, Emmy Lou Delfin, Director of the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB) at DICT, provided a strategic overview of DICT’s initiatives to bolster the creative industry. She highlighted programs of IIDB which enhances digital skills and supports content creators, and other initiatives which underscore DICT’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, globally competitive creative industry. The EPIC (Empowering, Promoting, and Invigorating the Digital Creative Industry) promotes Filipino talent in outsourced services and original content creation. IIDB also runs events like AYO and regional roadshows to empower local creators, alongside international delegations to attract global partnerships

The congress then transitioned into a panel discussion moderated by Atty. Batapa-Sigue, featuring prominent industry figures: Ronald James Lo, Chief Executive Officer of Taktyl Studios and President of the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDA); Marla Rausch, President of the Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines (SIKAP); and Daniel Enriquez, Executive Director of the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI). The discussion centered on the intersection of creativity and technology, exploring how these sectors can drive economic growth and create sustainable job opportunities in the country.

Philippines’ Game Development Industry Sees Promising Growth, Eyes US$ 177.8 Million Revenue by 2028, Says GDAP

GDAP President James Lo announced during an event in Capiz on August 30 that the country’s game development industry is poised for significant growth, with revenue projected to reach US$ 177.8 million by 2028. This growth is expected to generate approximately 6,200 new jobs, fueled by favorable global and domestic factors.

GDAP, established in 2007, represents the Philippine game development sector, which has experienced a steady increase in the number of studios. North America remains the largest buyer, contributing 50-55% of the market share, reflecting the industry’s strong international ties.

Lo highlighted the continuous support from the government and educational institutions as key drivers of this anticipated growth, positioning the Philippines as a rising player in the global game development industry.

He also cited the critical role of strong portfolios and hands-on experience for those entering the game development industry. He stressed the importance of cultivating both technical and non-technical skills to remain competitive in a global market.

For more details, visit www.gdap.org.ph.

SIKAP Emphasizes Importance of Original Content at CREACON 2024

At the CREACON 2024 event, Rausch delivered a compelling presentation on the evolving landscape of the creative industry, highlighting the critical role of original content development. Rausch outlined the industry’s current state, pointing to a general market slowdown while emphasizing that content remains in high demand, with shifts in platform preferences and the growing intersection between gaming and film.

Rausch shared impressive global market projections, noting that the animation market, valued at US$391 billion in 2022, is expected to grow to US$587 billion by 2030. Similarly, the video games market is forecasted to reach US$363 billion by 2027.

She stressed that while outsourcing remains a key component of the industry, the real opportunity lies in creating original content. According to Rausch, the benefits of original content development include a more highly skilled workforce, increased branding and recognition, adaptability, and competitive advantage, as well as ownership and control over creative output.

Rausch’s insights underscore the need for the creative industry to adapt and evolve, leveraging original content to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing market.

She discussed strategies for Filipino content creators to gain traction on the international stage, advocating for a blend of innovation and strategic market positioning. She also addressed how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and digital platforms are reshaping content creation and how Filipino creatives can adapt to these changes.

Philippine Animation Industry Set for Expansion, Targets 7,500 New Jobs by 2028

In a presentation at the CREACON 2024, Enriquez highlighted the robust growth potential of the Philippine animation industry. According to Enriquez, the industry is expected to create approximately 7,500 new jobs and reach an annual revenue of US$141 million by 2028.

Enriquez provided insights into the animation industry’s evolution, identifying emerging opportunities and challenges. He emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptability, particularly as new technologies and trends reshape the industry landscape.

ACPI, a non-stock, non-profit organization, has been pivotal in promoting Filipino talent in animation for over 40 years. Enriquez emphasized the importance of leveraging creativity, advanced technology, and high-quality content to enhance the Philippines’ competitive edge on both local and international stages.

Enriquez also outlined ACPI’s strategic priorities, which include talent development, original content creation, and increased global marketing. The organization is actively collaborating with government agencies to support the industry’s growth through grants, subsidies, and incentives.

For more information, visit www.animationcouncil.org.

The panel concluded with a lightning round where each speaker shared concise, actionable advice for young professionals aspiring to enter the creative industry. Their insights underscored the immense potential within the sector, driven by a combination of innovation, creativity, and strategic planning.

The event closed with remarks from Honorable Victor Frederico Acepcion, Roxas City Councilor, who underscored the economic significance of the creative industries for local and national development. A ceremonial turnover of hosting duties for the next VICTOR & CreaCon event followed, with Lapu-Lapu City being announced as the host for 2025.

CreaCon 2024 not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also reinforced the strategic importance of the creative and ICT sectors as key drivers of economic growth in the Philippines. With its successful execution, Roxas City has further solidified its position as a vital player in the country’s creative and digital landscape.

Looking Ahead: As CreaCon 2024 concludes, stakeholders look forward to continued collaboration and innovation, aiming to build on the momentum created by this year’s congress to further develop the Philippines’ creative and ICT industries.

First National Philippine Creative Congress (CreaCON PH) Announced in Roxas City

Roxas City, Capiz — August 30, 2024

The first National Philippine Creative Congress (CreaCON PH) is set to take place in December, as announced during the Visayas ICT Cluster Organization (VICTOR) Conference in Roxas City. This milestone event, transitioning from the regional Visayas Creative Congress, will unite key players from the creative and ICT sectors across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) emphasized the congress’s role in driving national growth in creative industries like animation, game development, and digital content creation. “CreaCON PH will foster collaboration and innovation, creating opportunities for job creation and investments in the Philippines’ digital economy,” she said.

The congress, organized in partnership with ACPI, GDAP, SIKAP, and NICP will include workshops, sessions, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for creatives and industry stakeholders to share best practices and explore emerging trends.

CreaCON PH is expected to rotate annually among different regions, promoting inclusivity and collaboration nationwide. The December event will lay the groundwork for future gatherings aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ creative and ICT sectors.