A group of individuals are gathered around a long conference table in a well-lit room. Some are seated and some are standing behind the table. There are laptops, water bottles, and papers on the table. The photo caption identifies some of the people in the image as participants of the “Setting the Stage: Validation Session for the Performing Arts Roadmap,” including individuals from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
In photo: Participants of “Setting the Stage: Validation Session for the Performing Arts Roadmap”, with (L-R) Dr. Steven Patrick Fernandez, Cultural Center of the Philippines Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan, incoming Artistic Director of the Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Robert Arlou Deguzman, DTI Bureau of Competitive Development Assistant Director Jo-Dann N. Darong, DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Supervising Head and Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, and DTI Creative Industries Development Office Officer-in-charge Director Lilian G. Salonga

Makati City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully concluded a national validation session for the proposed Philippine Performing Arts (PA) Roadmap on April 25 at the Board of Investments Conference Room.

The session, titled “Setting the Stage: Validation Session for the Performing Arts Roadmap,” convened over 20 in-person stakeholders from the performing arts sector, including representatives from the government and members of the academe.  Additionally, 150 participants from across the country joined the discussion virtually.

Prominent figures in the field led the discourse, including Integrated Performing Arts Guild Founding Artistic Director Dr. Steven Patrick Fernandez, Cultural Center of the Philippines Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan, and incoming Artistic Director of the Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Robert Arlou Deguzman. Their insights, experiences, and perspectives enriched the dialogue and played a critical role in refining the roadmap’s strategic direction.

“The validation session is more than just a procedural milestone. It is a meaningful opportunity for collaboration—a chance for us to co-create a roadmap that is both aspirational and grounded in reality. We are here to ensure that this document reflects not only the lived experiences of our artists and communities but also the boundless potential of the sector,” said DTI’s Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) Supervising Head and Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, underlining the session’s importance in ensuring the roadmap’s practical applications.

The session also featured a presentation by DTI’s CIG-Creative Industries Development Office Officer-in-Charge Director Lilian G. Salonga, who outlined salient provisions of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) and provided updates on the implementation of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program.

Following this, Policy, Research, and Analytics Division Head Josephine M. Virrey, and consultant Glorife S. Samodio jointly presented the result of the industry scoping and road-mapping study, backed by comprehensive data gathering and insightful analysis involving key opinion leaders and stakeholders nationwide.

The proposed roadmap strategically outlines initiatives aligned with the B.E.A.M.S. Strategy Framework, a key component in implementing the Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan. This framework focuses on five (5) crucial pillars: Build Creative Ecosystem, Empower Creative Workforce, Accelerate Inclusive Innovation, Mobilize Financing Support, and Seize Market Opportunities.

Further, the roadmap emphasizes the importance of nurturing local talent, safeguarding cultural heritage, developing world-class infrastructure, and expanding market engagement. It also provides a comprehensive assessment of the performing arts sector—highlighting its current status, challenges, and potential to drive economic and cultural contribution.

The country’s PA industry, encompassing theater, literature, music, and dance, boasts of a vibrant and diverse creative ecosystem. Its value chain extends from creation to consumption, engaging both local artists and government support. Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted its momentum, the sector remains an indispensable element of Filipino culture, sustained by grassroots efforts and the resilient spirit of its artistic community.

Recognizing this inherent cultural strength, the DTI affirms in the transformative potential of the wider creative industries—not only as reflections of Filipino identity but also as vital engines of innovation and economic growth.

Supporting this perspective, the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority highlights the significant economic contribution of the country’s creative industries. In 2024, the sector generated PHP 1.94 trillion which accounts for 7.3% of our Gross Domestic Product.

In addition, it provided employment to over 7.26 million Filipinos. Within this, approximately 34,000 individuals or 0.5%, were employed in “music, arts, and entertainment activities,” which includes segments of the performing arts. ♦

Date of Release: 05 May 2025

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