A group of representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and IE University stand together in the DTI lobby. They are dressed in business attire, facing the camera, with the DTI logo displayed on the wall behind them.
Photo courtesy of: IE University

From L to R: Ms. Katrina T. Salvador (OIC-Division Chief, DTI-CIDO), Mr. Robin Serrano (Director, Benilde Center for Partnership Advancement), Prof. Benhur Ong (Chancellor, DLS-CSB), Ms. Ángeles Figueroa (Executive Director for Partnerships at the IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs), Dr. Manuel Muñiz (Provost of IE University Madrid and Chair of IE New York College), Ms. Nylah Rizza D. Bautista (Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head of DTI-CIG), Arch. Gerry Torres (Director, Benilde Fashion Museum), Mr. Alberto Ibañez Pascual (Regional Director for APAC, IE University), Mr. Jo-Dann N. Darong (Assistant Director, DTI-CIDO), Mr. Manu Fernandez (Project Officer, DTI-CIDO), Mr. Aaron Aldrich Alonzo (Planning Assistant, DTI-FTSC), Ms. Rain Anne Mojica (Regional Coordinator, DTI-FTSC)

Makati City, Philippines—Driven to accelerate the growth of the Philippine creative industries, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) convened IE University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) on March 12 to initiate discussions on potential international collaborations.

“This engagement reinforces the government’s push to strengthen the Philippine Creative Industry through international collaborations and digital transformation. Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ we are advancing a whole-of-government approach to expand opportunities for our creative sector, enhance local talent, and position the country as a globally competitive leader in innovation and design,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

The DTI’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Madrid (PTIC-Madrid), under the leadership of Commercial Counselor Althea Antonio, organized this initiative through the DTI-Foreign Trade Service Corps (DTI-FTSC). The Philippine Embassy in Madrid also played a pivotal role in connecting IE University and key Philippine stakeholders. Further support was provided by the DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG).

During the meeting, IE University, Benilde, and the DTI discussed ways to enhance the Philippines’ creative and academic sectors through international partnerships in education, sustainable fashion, and startup support. These discussions focused on driving innovation, cultivating talent, and bolstering the global competitiveness of Filipino students and entrepreneurs.

Key topics included co-funding and scholarship opportunities for Filipino students and creatives, internationalization of Philippine higher education institutions, research collaborations, and industry-academia partnerships.

Recognizing the IE University’s expertise in architecture and design, the DTI sees strong potential for collaboration in building creative hubs across the Philippines.

Moreover, IE University expressed interest in working with the DTI’s Creative Industries Development Office (CIDO) on initiatives focused on media, entertainment, digital creative services, and creative tourism.

DTI-CIG Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista (right) sits at a conference table speaking with three representatives from IE University. They are in a meeting room with water glasses, nameplates, and a whiteboard in the background.
DTI-CIG Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista during the discussion.

“Strengthening our linkages with globally renowned institutions like IE University is crucial in positioning the Philippines as a leader in the creative economy. This partnership opens up opportunities for our talents to gain world-class education and exposure,” DTI-CIG Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head Nylah Bautista highlighted.

Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Spain, IE University is among the top 10 universities worldwide, according to the QS ranking 2025. With a network of over 28 international offices, it is globally recognized for its innovative programs in marketing, business, and communication.

This engagement builds on the momentum generated during the September 2024 Philippine Creative Industries Month, during which the DTI and the Department of Foreign Affairs jointly hosted a webinar series showcasing Philippine creative industries to a global audience.

A group of representatives from DTI, IE University, and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde sits around a conference table discussing creative industry collaborations. Nameplates and water glasses are on the table, and a glass partition and whiteboard are visible in the background.

DTI-CIG Assistant Secretary Bautista convened a meeting with DTI-CIDO Assistant Director Jo-Dann Darong and DTI-FTSC Foreign Trade Service Officer Jeremiah Reyes. The meeting was also attended by representatives from DLS-CSB, including Professor Benhur Ong, Architect Gerry Torres, and Director Robin Serrano. Attendees also included the IE University delegation, comprising Chair Dr. Manuel Muñiz, Executive Director Ángeles Figueroa, and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.

The DTI’s PTIC-Madrid and FTSC remain committed to facilitating these engagements as part of its mission to enhance strategic partnerships between the Philippines and Spain through the creative industries. ♦

Date of Release: 20 March 2025

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