Taguig City, Philippines—On March 27, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held the ceremony for the National Digital Arts Awards (NDAA) 2024 at the Maybank Theatre, Bonifacio Global City. The event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and young creatives.

In her keynote speech, Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, Supervising Head of the Competitiveness and Innovation Group, emphasized the transformative power of digital arts in shaping the nation’s cultural and economic landscape.

Addressing the finalists, Asec. Bautista affirmed, “We have seen your works truly reflect the vibrancy, diversity, and identity of our urban spaces through the lens of digital creativity. Tonight, we celebrate not just creativity but also the significant role of digital arts in fueling economic growth.”

The 2024 National Digital Artists Awards (NDAA) garnered an impressive collection of over 800 submissions from artists across 65 participating cities nationwide. Competitors showcased their skills in two key categories: Digital Print Art and Motion Graphics, all under the theme of “City Pride.” This theme encouraged participants to capture the unique vibrancy of their respective cities.

Asec. Bautista highlighted the rapid expansion of the Philippine creative economy, citing the latest report from the Philippine Statistics Authority. The report indicated an 8.7% growth in the industry, contributing a substantial 7.3% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), valued at PHP 1.94 trillion in 2024.

Furthermore, the sector saw a significant increase in employment, with 7.51 million Filipinos working in creative industries, accounting for 15.4% of the nation’s total employment. She highlighted the government’s strategic initiatives aimed at nurturing a skilled workforce to bolster this thriving industry.

The NDAA was not merely a competition but was also viewed as a significant launchpad for young artists aspiring to gain industry recognition, build meaningful careers, and contribute to the burgeoning creative economy. Asec. Bautista urged the participants to maintain their creative enthusiasm and to continue crafting original intellectual properties.

The ceremony recognized outstanding achievers in both categories. The Grand Winners in Digital Art in Print were “The pRide of Kankaloo” by Camarin High School, Caloocan City (Student Category), and “Butuan: Home of the Balangay” by Harrison Espina (Open Category). In Motion Graphics, the champions were “Pagsibol” by V-Create from the University of the Cordilleras, Baguio (Student Category), and “Butuan Balangay” by Harrison Espina (Open Category).

Mr. William Guido, Chairman & CEO of Globaltronics, a guiding force behind the NDAA, expressed optimism for the future of the digital arts in the Philippines. He pointed out that despite the country’s rich talent pool, there has historically been a lack of adequate recognition and support. However, he noted the active engagement from the private sector and government, especially the DTI, in nurturing a robust creative industry community. He expressed hope that initiatives like the NDAA would continue to inspire future generations and motivate the government to provide more vital platforms and opportunities for exposure and growth.

Looking ahead, Mr. Joel Santos, founder of Thames and a co-lead of the NDAA, announced plans for the 2026 NDAA, which coincides with the Philippines hosting the 2026 ASEAN. He extended an invitation for continued participation in this evolving endeavor.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Asec. Bautista underscored the DTI’s unwavering commitment to advancing the digital arts sector. She emphasized the government’s vision to position the Philippines as a prominent player on the global map of cultural and creative industries, ultimately establishing the country as Asia’s Premier Creative Hub by 2030. ♦

Date of Release: 02 April 2025

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