The DTI Creative Industries Development Office (CIDO), together with (center, L–R) Bureau of Competitiveness and Development (BCD) Assistant Director Jo-Dann N. Darong, Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) Supervising Head and Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, and BCD Director and CIDO Officer-in-Charge Lilian G. Salonga, pose for a photo during the launch of the Malikhaing Pinoy Website, which highlights its three main features: Connect, Learn, and Thrive.
In Photo: The DTI Creative Industries Development Office (CIDO), together with (center, L–R) Bureau of Competitiveness and Development (BCD) Assistant Director Jo-Dann N. Darong, Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) Supervising Head and Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, and BCD Director and CIDO Officer-in-Charge Lilian G. Salonga, pose for a photo during the launch of the Malikhaing Pinoy Website, which highlights its three main features: Connect, Learn, and Thrive.

Mandaluyong, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) spotlighted Filipino cuisine and empowered local businesses with the three-day run of Food Festival 2025, held from May 30 to June 1 at Megatrade Halls 1–3, SM Megamall. This landmark event showcased the richness of Philippine gastronomy and the innovative spirit of over 250 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) exhibitors, seamlessly blending tradition, technology, and creativity.

“Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. with his Bagong Pilipinas vision, we are building a country where Filipino culture, creativity, and enterprise thrive hand in hand,” said DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.

DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque speaks at the podium during Food Festival 2025, with a backdrop displaying the DTI and Bagong Pilipinas logos, and illustrations of Filipino food items.

“Food Festival 2025 is a celebration of who we are. Every regional flavor, every heritage recipe, and every local product tells a story of resilience, innovation, and national pride. This is the kind of future we are shaping: one where our heritage becomes our strength and every Filipino has the chance to grow from it,” the trade chief added.

A key highlight of the festival was the official launch of the DTI Malikhaing Pinoy Website, a significant milestone for the Philippine Creative Industries. Poised to be the “National Gateway to Filipino Creativity and Business,” this digital platform seeks to connect Filipino creatives and MSMEs to broader markets.

 The Malikhaing Pinoy Website offers three (3) core functions to support creative entrepreneurs:

  • Connect: A comprehensive registry of Filipino creatives and a directory of creative industry organizations.
  • Learn: Access to a variety of learning opportunities, including workshops, seminars, masterclasses, and college courses in the creative industries.
  • Thrive: A channel connecting enterprises to funding programs from government and private sectors, aimed at nurturing and scaling creative businesses.
Visitors interact with vendors at a booth showcasing local snacks like Biscocho during Food Festival 2025 at SM Megamall, highlighting Filipino MSME products and culinary heritage.

Anchored in the Tatak Pinoy Strategy Program, Food Festival 2025 featured curated exhibits showcasing heritage-inspired food products from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Additionally, it hosted live cooking demonstrations and spotlighted Kayumanggi Philippine heritage recipe book.

The festival further celebrated Iloilo City’s recent recognition as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy, underscoring the City’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.

To support the long-term growth and viability of MSMEs, the festival included a dedicated digital collaboration zone in partnership with technology providers. This area provided access to essential tools for e-commerce, logistics, digital payments, and marketing. It encouraged MSMEs to embrace heritage-driven product development while scaling up through digital platforms.

While distinct from the National Food Fair, Food Festival 2025 shares the DTI’s mission of elevating and empowering MSMEs. With its emphasis on immersive experiences, digital integration, and creative gastronomy, the festival set a forward-looking direction for Filipino food entrepreneurs.

The event drew significant MSME participation from across the National Capital Region, Western Visayas (particularly Iloilo City), Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON, showcasing its broad national reach.

For updates, follow DTI-BMDPO on Facebook (@BDTP), X (@DTI_BMDPO), Instagram and TikTok (@dti.bmdpo), and YouTube (@dti_bmdpo). For inquiries, please email the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP at BMDPO@dti.gov.ph. Aspiring entrepreneurs can also ask about future events through their local DTI Office. ♦

Date of Release: 03 June 2025

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