First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque pose with 28 local artisans and designers during the Likha 4 exhibit at Foro de Intramuros, Manila, celebrating Filipino craftsmanship and creativity.
In Photo: First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque with the 28 local artisans and designers at the Likha 4

Manila, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to building a globally competitive and culturally rooted creative economy as it joined LIKHA 4: Likha Ko, Lahi Ko, held from 6 to 8 June 2025 at the Foro de Intramuros, Manila.

Spearheaded by the First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, LIKHA is now in its fourth year as a national showcase of Filipino craftsmanship and artistry. This year’s edition gathered 28 distinguished artisans, including graduates of past LIKHA conventions and emerging designers from across the country, to exhibit masterful creations spanning weaving, embroidery, woodwork, metalcraft, jewelry, basketry, and more. Each piece presented at LIKHA 4 stands as a living expression of the Philippines’ diverse and enduring cultural heritage.

The DTI’s participation in LIKHA 4 went beyond ceremonial and exposition support. With its mandate under the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (R.A. No. 11904), the DTI, through the Creative Industries Development Office, mounted a dedicated Malikhaing Pinoy information and advocacy booth. This initiative aimed to directly engage artisans on how they can formally participate in the Malikhaing Pinoy Registry through Malikhaing Pinoy Website which provides Filipino creatives with an avenue to connect, learn, and thrive by accessing the government support services, market development, opportunities, capability-building programs, curated showcases, and a resource library that empower and uplift the artisans in the Philippines. The exhibit likewise served as a platform for promoting the upcoming relaunch of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, scheduled for September 2025 in celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM). With the theme “Malikhaing Pinoy Para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the program seeks to harness the transformative power of creativity in shaping inclusive economic growth and a culturally vibrant nation.

Atty. Joan Padilla, Jose Rozelino 'Jerry' Acuzar, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos standing on stage at the Likha 4 exhibit, with a large screen behind them displaying 'LIKHA' and an image of hands crafting, symbolizing Filipino creativity and craftsmanship.
In Photo: (From L-R)  Atty. Joan Padilla, Jose Rozelino “Jerry” Acuzar, DOT Sec. Christina Frasco, DTI Sec. Ma. Christina A. Roque, and the First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos

Demonstrating a concrete step toward financial inclusion, the DTI, through the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), empowered creative entrepreneurs through financial literacy sessions and direct access to loan programs designed specifically for the sector. SB Corp not only introduced its suite of financing options but also extended onsite loan processing and approvals—providing immediate and tangible support to artisans and creatives. This impactful initiative brought financial services closer to the grassroots, enabling participants to invest in tools, materials, and business expansion opportunities. By closing the financing gap, the effort strengthened the foundation for a more resilient and thriving creative economy.

The LIKHA 4 opening was graced by notable guests, including First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Presidential Adviser Jose Rizalino Acuzar, and Atty. Joan Padilla of the Intramuros Administration. Their collective presence underscored a shared government commitment to celebrating, sustaining, and scaling Filipino creativity and craftsmanship. As the Philippine creative economy gains momentum, DTI, along with its partners, remains resolute in building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive creative ecosystem, where Filipino ingenuity is empowered to thrive locally and internationally. ♦

Date of Release: 11 June 2025

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