Manila will make a push to anchor Southeast Asia’s $300-billion creative economy

Philippines vies to be Southeast Asia’s creative economy hub

Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta 
Inquirer.net
18 September 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Manila will make a push to anchor Southeast Asia’s $300-billion creative economy when the region’s heads of state troop to the Philippines in November, where it will pitch a center of excellence dedicated to the sector.

That center, planned for the 21,000-square-meter Likhang Filipino site in Pasay, would be just the second Asean center established in the Philippines, following the Asean Centre for Biodiversity in Los Baños, Laguna.

According to Junie del Mundo, senior adviser for creative economy at the Asean Business Advisory Council Philippines, setting up the center would allow Manila to take the lead in growing the sector, including efforts to improve intellectual property commercialization, financing and market access across the region.

“The onus will be on us, because the center of excellence is here in the Philippines,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Asean creative economy briefing on Thursday.

Del Mundo said the proposal had already cleared Asean economic and culture ministers, leaving it up for the approval of the bloc’s leaders.

Singapore and Thailand are also interested in hosting the center, he said.

Once operational, the center is envisioned to bring together the public and private sectors from Asean member states, providing a focal point for addressing common industry challenges while helping connect creators with financing and markets.

Its financing and governance structures are still being developed, with implementation targeted for 2028.

Hosting the center would also build on the Philippines’ sizable creative economy, which already accounts for one of the larger shares of economic output in the region.

In 2025, the Philippine creative economy was valued at P2.12 trillion, equivalent to 7.6 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. That puts the Philippines toward the higher end of estimates across Asean, where creative industries account for roughly 2 to 8 percent of national economies.

A study presented by Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines estimated that creative industries across selected Asean economies generate roughly $300 billion in aggregate annual value in 2025 and about $150 billion in creative goods and services exports in 2024.

The study covered film, animation, game development, fashion and performing arts across all 11 Asean member states.

Filipinos are finally getting well-deserved recognition on the global stage

Liza Soberano: Filipino global recognition is sparking a movement

Kristofer Purnell 
Philstar.com
September 17, 2026 

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos are finally getting well-deserved recognition on the global stage, says Liza Soberano.

Philstar.com exclusively spoke to the actress during the promotional rounds for her latest film "Forgotten Island," a DreamWorks Animation movie inspired by Filipino culture, mythology, and folklore.

Majority of the project's cast and crew is of Filipino descent. Liza leads the voice cast alongside fellow Filipino-American H.E.R., and together even contribute a song on the official soundtrack.

The movie follows best friends Raissa and Jo (Liza and H.E.R., respectively) as they are stranded on the titular island of Nakali, where the only way home may mean losing a lifetime of memories and emotions.

Liza shared her thoughts on what it means to be part of the Filipino community being recognized even more in the global entertainment scene.

The actress began by acknowledging how surreal and honored she feels being part of the project itself.

"I feel like this is kind of a movement," Liza continued. "There's so many Filipinos all over the world that are kind of having a moment in film, music, and food space."

She noted how exciting it was to see people form other cultures taking interest or having curiosity for Philippine culture and finding the beauty in it.

"Us, Filipinos, we love to travel the world and experience other people's cultures so it's nice that we're finally also getting that [kind of] reactions to our culture," Liza added.

"Forgotten Island" also features the voices of Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy, Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto, Filipino-American actress Amielynn Abellera, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, and Ronny Chieng.

Directed by Joel Crawford and Filipino-American Januel Mercado, it hits Philippine cinemas this September 23.

Philippines maintains spot in Global Gender Gap index 2026

Philippines retains spot in Global Gender Gap index

Louella Desiderio 
The Philippine Star 
September 17, 2026 

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines held on to the 20th spot out of 145 economies in this year’s Global Gender Gap Index released by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The report, which tracks progress in closing the gender gap, showed that the Philippines maintained its ranking even as its gender parity score declined slightly to 78 percent this year from 78.1 percent last year.

It also showed that the Philippines remained one of the most consistent and higher ranked performers in East Asia and the Pacific, placing third in this year’s edition.

“Despite this, the Philippines has failed to keep the momentum that kept the economy in the top 10 on 13 prior editions,” the WEF said.

Over the last two decades, the Philippines has narrowed the overall gender gap by 2.8 percentage points from 75.2 percent in 2006.

WEF ranks economies by looking at gender parity across four dimensions: economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival and political empowerment.

In economic participation, the Philippines placed 17th with a score of 78.3 percent, down from the previous year’s 13th spot and 79 percent score.

WEF said the result also reduces the country’s two-decade advancement to a total of +2.5 percentage points over its 2006 score as economic indicators had varying trajectories.

When it comes to educational attainment, the Philippines ranked 89th with a score of 98.9 percent. The ranking is down from last year’s 87th spot, but the score improved slightly from 98.8 percent.

In terms of health and survival, the Philippines’ rank and score improved to 76th and 96.9 percent, respectively, from last year’s 85th and 96.7 percent.

The Philippines also saw its ranking and score improve in political empowerment to 27th and 37.9 percent, respectively, from 30th and 37.7 percent last year.

Overall, Iceland topped the rankings for the 17th consecutive year, with 93 percent of the gender gap closed.

This was followed by Finland and Norway, which placed second and third for the third year running.

Completing the top 10 are Namibia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Sweden, Australia, Germany and Ireland.

WEF managing director Saadia Zahidi said that the data in the last 20 years show that gender parity is achievable, with economies at every income level making progress.

Philippines forecast to be second fastest-growing economy in SE Asia through 2035

Philippines projected to be second fastest-growing economy in SE Asia until 2035

BusinessWorld
September 17, 2026

THE PHILIPPINES could emerge as Southeast Asia’s second fastest-growing major economy over the next decade, with growth averaging 5.8% through 2035, according to a report by Bain & Company, DBS Group Holdings, and Vriens & Partners. 

In the Southeast Asia Outlook 2026-2035 report released on Wednesday, the Philippine economy is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.8% from 2026 to 2035 under the baseline scenario.

“The Philippines, which has a favorable demographic tailwind, could grow at a 5.8% average annual rate as consumption, infrastructure, and governance reforms unlock investment,” the report said.

This would make the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) growth the second-fastest among the six major Southeast Asian economies covered by the report, behind only Vietnam, which is projected to expand by an average of 6.2% annually until 2035.

The Philippine economy is expected to outpace Indonesia (5.4%), Malaysia (4.3%), Singapore (2.7%), and Thailand (2.2%).

Philippine GDP growth over the 10-year horizon is also above the 4.8% average for the six Southeast Asian economies.

The latest regional forecast for Southeast Asia is slower than the earlier average expansion of 5.1% for the 2024-2034 period, reflecting a more complex and volatile global environment.

However, the Philippine economy is experiencing a sharp slowdown this year, averaging 2.6% in the first half. The government is targeting 3.5%-4.5% GDP growth for 2026, and 5%-6% annually from 2027 to 2030.

Despite its relatively strong baseline forecast, the Philippines is also among the Southeast Asian economies facing the greatest downside exposure, according to the report.

The report noted that Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand would be the most exposed under a downside scenario because of their “capital-flow sensitivities, energy dependence, political uncertainty, and weaker structural momentum.”

Under more favorable global conditions, the Philippines could also capture less upside than Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, which are better positioned to benefit from their roles in capital intermediation and global manufacturing supply chains. 

“Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines see more limited benefit, as persistent structural constraints limit their ability to translate an improved external environment into stronger growth,” the report said.

The Philippines’ favorable demographics, steady remittance inflows, and consumption-led  economic model provide some insulation from disruptions to global trade, it added.

However, it warned that the country’s dependence on imported energy, weaknesses in policy implementation and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven disruption to the outsourcing industry could prevent the economy from reaching its full potential.

The report also pointed to longer-term risks from AI-driven automation to the country’s business process outsourcing industry.

“Without stronger energy security and governance consistency, growth could be capped below the Philippines’ potential,” it said.

The report said that one of the Philippines’ immediate challenges is managing the transition to AI.

“The next few years will be critical; the Philippines must move into higher-value services while sustaining reform momentum through its next leadership transition,” it said.

The country also needs to strengthen its energy system, as gains in Philippine technology services have been constrained partly by limitations in the power grid. 

Across Southeast Asia, the report said growth over the next decade will increasingly depend on stronger institutions, more reliable energy systems and the ability to use AI to raise productivity.

“Dependence on imported energy quickly turns external price shocks into household inflation, while weak policy implementation hinders the conversion of investment commitment into actual deployment,” the report said.

It said grid capacity and reliability will be increasingly important in determining whether economies can expand their industrial bases and support power-intensive AI infrastructure.

The Philippines has already fallen short of the report’s earlier growth expectations. From 2024 to 2025, the economy grew by an average of 5.1%, compared with the 6.1% average assumed in their previous 2024-2034 forecast.

“The Philippines saw growth impeded by weaker investment and public sector execution,” the report said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Philippines is 'Country of Honor' at China-ASEAN Expo 2026

Philippines is 'Country of Honor' at China-ASEAN Expo 2026

Stanley Palisada
ABS-CBN News
September 15, 2026

MANILA — The Philippines is launching its largest commercial delegation in the history of the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), taking center stage as this year's official "Country of Honor."

 

The country's participation in the 23rd edition of the trade mission between China and ASEAN showcases the Philippines' rapidly expanding industrial ecosystem and robust economic capabilities on the international stage.

Running from September 17 to 21, 2026, at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Guangxi, China, the milestone marks the Philippines' second time earning the prestigious designation since the first one in 2013. The recognition underscores the nation's technological agility, increasingly resilient supply chains, and thriving green economy.

Global Push for High-Value Exports

The Philippines brings together 313 participants representing 73 high-value export enterprises. These businesses are displaying a diverse selection of goods, ranging from processed food and agriculture to home furnishings, fashion accessories, and artisanal crafts. Operating under the banner PARTNERPhilippines, these enterprises demonstrate the country's rising value as an indispensable ASEAN trade partner.

"This year's participation is forged by the ambition and product innovation of Filipino exhibitors, backed by whole-of-government support. Every deal closed directly feeds into economic growth, elevating Philippine exports," stated the Center for International Trade, Exposition and Missions (CITEM), the agency spearheading the country's expo efforts.

Cebu, the province of charm

Highlighting regional development and local institutional capabilities, Cebu province takes the spotlight as CAEXPO's official "Province of Charm."

Sustaining an impressive 7.3 percent annual economic growth rate, Cebu is leveraging the platform to showcase its robust manufacturing core and world-class logistics. Anchored by the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and strategic deepwater ports, the province is aggressively positioning itself as a premier gateway for foreign investments and creative industries.

Philippine investment talks

Capitalizing on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA), the Philippine delegation is expanding far beyond traditional commodity trading. The Board of Investments (BOI) is spearheading the Philippine Investment Forum to attract foreign capital into high-growth, future-ready sectors, including renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, green metals, high-tech manufacturing, modern healthcare, pharmaceuticals, digital infrastructure, and data centers.

Building on prior successes, the 2026 delegation is well-positioned to break historical export records. Through CAEXPO 2026, the Philippines aims to cement its ongoing transformation into an innovative, sustainable, and highly competitive economic powerhouse in the region.

Mexican University named ADMU historian an international honorary professor

Filipino historian named honorary professor in Mexico

Cristina Eloisa Baclig 
Inquirer.net
15 September 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo de Manila University historian Dr. Filomeno V. Aguilar Jr. has been named an International Honorary Professor by a Mexican university, as the Philippines became the first Southeast Asian country to be named Guest Country of Honor at the 39th Feria Universitaria del Libro (FUL).

Aguilar, a professor of history and assistant vice president for research, creative work and innovation at Ateneo, received the distinction from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo (UAEH) during the university book fair, held from Sept. 4 to 13.

The recognition acknowledged his career as a historian and his contributions to Philippine studies, according to Ateneo de Manila University.

The investiture also coincided with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Ateneo and UAEH covering faculty and student exchanges, joint research, internships, conferences and other academic activities.

Tracing the Philippines-Mexico link

At the FUL, Aguilar delivered the keynote lecture, “Mexico and the Philippines: The Beginning of World Trade,” examining the historical links between the two countries through the Manila-Acapulco Galleon.

“Philippine history cannot be comprehended apart from Mexico—and the other way around,” Aguilar said.

He traced how the galleon route connected Asia and the Americas and contributed to the development of world trade, drawing on the work of historians Dennis Flynn and Arturo Giráldez.

In their framework, world trade refers not only to commerce between continents but also to a continuous commercial network connecting all permanently inhabited continents.

Aguilar also discussed the inequalities and systemic vulnerabilities that emerged from the global economy built around the trade.

He noted that the system left the Philippine countryside underdeveloped while helping support affluent lifestyles in the Americas through profits from silver.

The historical relationship between the Philippines and Mexico was also reflected in language, Aguilar said, pointing to Indoamerican words that entered Philippine languages through Spanish and Philippine words that became part of Mexican Spanish along Mexico’s west coast.

He said the imbalance in the linguistic exchange reflected differences in administrative power, population size and the structure of colonial trade.

“The Galleon Trade, for better or worse, put our two countries at the center of global history—at the birth of world trade. This undeniable fact is worth remembering and celebrating,” Aguilar said.

“México y las Filipinas no son desconocidos; somos hermanos del Pacífico (Mexico and the Philippines are not strangers; we are brothers of the Pacific),” he added.

Aguilar also gave a separate lecture for undergraduate students on national hero José Rizal and his novels and delivered a graduate-level lecture on Philippine global migrations from a comparative Mexican perspective.

Philippine literature, culture showcased in Mexico

The FUL, organized by UAEH, is one of Mexico’s longest-running university book fairs and a major publishing and cultural event.

Its 2026 edition, themed “Global Trade,” featured more than 800 publishing imprints and over 550 literary, academic, scientific, artistic and cultural activities.

The Philippine program featured the country’s literature, history, scholarship, food, music, textiles, tourism and arts.

More than 300 Philippine publications were showcased, including over 200 titles from the University of the Philippines Press.

Exhibitions also highlighted indigenous textiles and the Manila-Acapulco trade route.

Filipino participants included Philippine Ambassador Arvin de Leon, Second Secretary and Consul Marisa Winkler, poet, novelist and filmmaker Kristian Sendon Cordero, and chef and author Claude Tayag.

The UAEH Symphony Orchestra also featured Philippine National Artist for Music Lucrecia Kasilag’s “Philippine Scenes” in its opening program. /dm

Jollibee, 3 PH banks make list of TIME and Statista’s World’s Best Companies 2026

Jollibee, 3 PH banks make list of TIME and Statista’s World’s Best Companies 2026

Benise Balaoing
ABS-CBN News
September 15, 2026

MANILA — Jollibee and three Philippine banks made the list of TIME and Statista’s World’s Best Companies 2026.

Jollibee placed 897th on the list, with an overall score of 73.67 based on employee satisfaction, revenue growth, and sustainability transparency.

Topping the list of Philippine companies was Security Bank, placing 508th with a score of 78.65. 

The lender was followed by Union Bank of the Philippines, which was at 681st with a score of 76.41.

Placing 966th was Metrobank, with a score of 72.83.

In 2025, Ayala Corporation topped the list of Philippine companies that made it to the ranking.

Ayala leads PH firms in TIME and Statista’s World’s Best Companies 2025.

Nvidia topped the global 2026 list, as TIME noted that the demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips remains strong. 

Other companies that made it to the Top 10 of the list are healthcare giant Cigna, Apple, Meta Platforms, AstraZeneca, Microsoft, Deutsche Telekom, Accenture, McKesson, and Advanced Micro Devices.