Makati City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, successfully organized the Post-Animahenasyon: Creative Mentoring and Pitching Competition on April 30.

This key initiative of the DTI’s Creative Industries Development Office (CIDO) under the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, highlights the agency’s commitment to nurturing Filipino creativity and empowering local storytellers to share our unique narratives globally. This is achieved through collaboration, capacity-building, and industry linkages, that comprise hands-on-training, one-on-one mentorship, and creative exchange.

During the event, participants received guidance from two renowned experts—Mr. Bobby Pontillas, co-founder of Rise Up Animation; and Mr. Keith Sicat, an award-winning independent filmmaker. These mentors provided in-depth coaching on the fundamentals of storytelling, visual development, and pitching.

 

Following the mentoring session, the Creative Pitching Competition featured finalists from the 2024 Animahenasyon Festival and Young Creatives Challenge Season 1. These promising individuals presented their original animated content to a distinguished panel of judges, who assessed each entry based on creativity, originality, storytelling strength, and market potential.

 

During the Post-Animahenasyon event, select finalists also received a significant boost in the form of concrete support from TOP PEG Animation and Creative Studio, and Mothership Recording Studio. This recognition underlines the panelists’ strong belief in the finalists’ potential to make a significant impact on the animation and creative sectors, demonstrating the industry’s readiness to invest in dynamic Filipino talent.

 

The esteemed judging panel comprised key figures from animation sector and media, including Ms. Carol Wee, Production Manager of Warner Bros. Discovery; Ms. Melissa Lim, Lead of Acquisitions & Co-Productions of Warner Bros. Discovery; Ms. Grace Dimaranan, CEO of TOP PEG Animation and Creative Studio; Mr. Avid Liongoren, Founder of Rocketsheep; Mr. Butch Ibanez, Head of the National Committee on Cinema of the National Commission of the Culture and the Arts ; Mr. Brian Matthew Ligsay, Voice Actor of Mothership Recording Studios; and Mr. Lorenz Olivarez, Chief Operating Officer of Mulave Studios.

 

“This event is more than just a pitching competition—it’s a platform of promise. It is where potential meets opportunity, and where the voices of Filipino creatives are amplified in shaping our cultural and creative legacy,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista.

 

“If you experience failure, it’s okay to stumble—but you must get up. The future is yours to draw, animate, and define,” Asec. Nylah added.

 

DTI-CIDO Officer-in-Charge Director Lilian Salonga, also delivered a message, emphasizing the role of creative capacity-building in fueling inclusive economic growth.

 

Meanwhile, ACPI Chairman Juan Miguel Del Rosario addressed the participants, while ACPI President Marlyn Montano and Executive Director Daniel Enriquez reiterated their commitment to cultivating homegrown talent and building sustainable career pathways for Filipino animators.

 

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Deputy Director General Nelly Nita N. Dillera also attended the event and reaffirmed their mandate in developing creative workforce through skills training and upskilling programs.

 

As chair of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council, the DTI implements the Malikhaing Pinoy Program—a flagship effort that advances the Philippines’ creative industries by spotlighting Filipino talent, cultural heritage, and ingenuity.

 

For more updates and future training opportunities, follow the official Facebook page of the DTI-CIDO (@DTI.CIDO). 

DTI joins PH hosting of the High-Level Conference on Middle-Income Countries

Makati City, Philippines—Department Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque and Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty participated in the country’s hosting of the High-Level Conference on Middle-Income Countries (HLC-MIC) at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on April 28.

Organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with various government agencies, the event successfully gathered key officials from the Like-Minded Group in support of Middle-Income Countries (LMG-MICs), international organizations, and the private sector. The conference aimed to advance inclusive and sustainable development while addressing the challenges faced by middle-income countries.

The HLC-MIC featured an inaugural Special Dialogue with the Private Sector titled “Enabling Impactful Partnerships for Sustainable Development,” where DTI Secretary Roque delivered the opening remarks.

 

“When we support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), we are not just supporting businesses, we are supporting communities, empowering families, and building a foundation for inclusivity and lasting development,” said the trade chief.

A distinguished panel of experts from the UN ESCAP, the World Digital Chamber, UN Global Compact, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Management Association of the Philippines, City Developments Limited Singapore, Indorama Ventures Thailand, Arthaland Philippines and Newage Group Bangladesh discussed the challenges of graduating to Higher Middle-Income status while continuing support for the private sector.

Topics included empowering MSMEs through green practices, digital transformation, innovative financing and sustainability reporting, as well as building impactful public-private partnerships.

On the sidelines of the event, Secretary Roque and Undersecretary Gepty met with Under-Secretary-General Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana and Mr. Moehamad Ruhimat of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). They reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to regional and international cooperation, discussing enhanced collaboration on the digital economy, energy transition, and trade facilitation. Updates on the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026 were also shared, as consultations on the Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables continue.

A bilateral meeting was also held between DTI Undersecretary Allan Gepty and representatives from the United Nations Global Compact, led by Chief of Programme Tonilyn Lim and Executive Director Edward Gacusana. Discussions focused on supporting the Philippines’ MSME integration initiatives, collaboration on capacity building for sustainability and digital transformation, and partnership opportunities during the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

The HLC-MIC brought together 200 delegates from the 19 LMG-MIC member states and enabled the adoption of the Manila Declaration on Middle-Income Countries with Proposed Elements for a Strategic Plan of Action for MICs 2025–2030. The Special   Dialogue with the Private Sector emphasized the vital role of MSMEs in economic growth, the urgency of regional cooperation, and the shared responsibility of achieving a greener and more inclusive future for Asia-Pacific. 

𝐊𝐖𝐅, N𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐧𝐠 M𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚 G𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐛𝐨 𝐃𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐒𝐌

Nagsagawa ng monitoring sa proyektong Dokumentasyon ng Wikang Manobo Dulangan ang mga mananaliksik mula sa Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) na sina Kirt John Segui at Dannielle Laggui noong 23–26 Abril 2025 sa Dulangan Village, Senator Ninoy Aquino at Sityo Blanga, Brgy. Nalilidan, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. Ang proyektong ito ay grant na ipinagkaloob ng KWF sa University of Southern Mindanao (USM). Si Dr. Radji Macatabon ang project leader ng pangkat kasama sina Dr. Rosemarie Sison, Prop. Jovelyn Gesulga, at Prop. Normie Pabinal.

Nakipag-ugnayan din ang mga mananaliksik mulang KWF sa Opisina ng Pangulo ng USM, tanggapan ng NCIP Sultan Kudarat Provincial Office, at pamahalaang bayan ng Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

Isa ang USM, kasama ang Mariano Marcos State University (Isneg) at Confederation of Indigenous Peoples Organizations in Southern Negros Occidental (Binukignon/Binukidnon), sa tatlong institusyon na pinagkalooban ng KWF ng grant. Layunin ng proyekto na makatuwang ang iba-ibang instistusyon sa pagbuo ng mga pananaliksik hinggil sa mga katutubong wika ng bansa.

Get Ready for Sigma Asia 2025 coming this June!

Endorsed by PAGCOR, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, and Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, SiGMA Asia 2025 is the epicenter where the gaming industry's most visionary leaders converge to propel transformation and chart the future. As Asia spearheads advancements in gaming, esports, and fintech integration, this premier event offers a unique platform to explore emerging opportunities, navigate regulatory landscapes, and examine strategies for market expansion.

Take the stage to share your expertise and contribute to the pivotal discussions that will define the industry's next chapter. Apply now to become a speaker: https://sigma.world/speakers/

Larry Boy B. Sabangan, Wagi sa Pagsulat ng Dulang Tandem/Duo ng Dula Táyo 2025

Nagwagi si Larry Boy B. Sabangan sa Pagsulat ng Dulang Tandem/Dou ng Dula Táyo 2025 ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) pára sa kaniyang dulang “Sino ba Dapat ang Magsaing?” at makatatanggap siyá ng PHP10,000.00 (net) at plake. 

Nagwagî rin si Hannah A. Leceña ng ikalawang gantimpala pára sa kaniyang dula na “Para sa Panitikan” at makatatanggap siyá ng PHP7,000.00 (net) at plake. 

Hinirang naman sa ikatlong gantimpala sina Alpine Christopher P. Moldez sa ikatlong gantimpala pára sa kaniyang dulang “Recognition Day” at Klara D. Espedido pára sa kaniyang dulang “Ang Nawawalang Berso.” Makatatanggap ng sila ng PHP2,500.00 (net) at plake. 

Si Larry Boy Briones Sabangan ay kasalukuyang mananaliksik sa Sentro ng Wikang Filipino – UP Diliman. Nagtapos ng Master sa mga Sining sa Edukasyon sa Filipino sa West Visayas State University, Lungsod Iloilo. Naging Fellow sa UST National Writers’ Workshop, Palihang Rogelio Sicat, at Palihang Rene Villanueva. Awtor ng tulang pambatang Kat Nagpamaeaybay Ro Panumduman it Unga na may saling Nang Tumula ang Gunita ng Bata mula sa Kasingkasing Press. Nakapaglathala na ng akdang tula, kuwentong pambata, dagli at sanaysay sa ANI: CCP Literary Journal, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, Kasingkasing Press, 7 Eyes Production at iba pang mga magazine at antolohiya. Naging Language Translator sa UP Resilience Institute. Naging finalist sa Ulirang Guro sa Filipino 2022 ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino. Kasalukuyang kumukuha ng doktorado sa Malikhaing Pagsulat sa UP Diliman. Nakapaglahad na rin ng mga pag-aaral sa mga internasyonal na nga kumperensiya ukol sa wika at panitikan. Isang anak, guro, mananaliksik, manunulat at lingkod-bayan na nagmamahal sa wika, kultura, panitikan, kabataan, at bayan.

Ang Dulang Tandem/Dou ay tawag sa anyo ng maikling dula na may iisang yugto, tagpuan, tunggalian, at isinasadula ang isang maliwanag na banghay o daloy ng kuwento. Tinatawag itong Dulang Tandem/Duo dahil umiikot lamang ang kuwento sa mga diyalago ng dalawang tauhan.

Ito ay timpalak na itinataguyod ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino para sa Buwan ng Wika. Pakikiisa ito ng KWF sa pagdiriwang ng UNESCO International Decade of the Indigenous Languages (IDIL) 2022–2032, at ng SDGs Manila ResiliArt EarthSaving Event (sa ilalim ng UNESCO patronage) sa pangunguna ng International Theater Institute (ITI)-Philippines Center.

Michael R. Gallego, Hinirang ng KWF na Makata ng Taon 2025

Gagawaran ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) si Michael R. Gallego ng KWF Talaang Ginto: Makata ng Taon 2025 pára sa kaniyang tulang “Áral mulâ kay Aran.” Makatatanggap siyá ng PHP30,000.00 (net), tropeo, at medalya.

Nagwagi rin si Romeo C. Morales ng Ikalawang Gantimpala pára sa kaniyang tulang “Henosidyo sa Lahì ni Katóto.” Makatatanggap siyá ng PHP20,000.00 (net) at plake. 

Nanalo naman si Allan Paolo Miguel G. Tiausas pára sa kaniyang tulang “Filipino Zero, Isang Antiepiko” para sa Ikatlong Gantimpala. Makatatanggap siyá ng PHP15,000.00 (net) at plake.

Si Michael R. Gallego ay makata sa wikang Filipino at Ilokano. Isinilang siya at lumaki sa bayan ng San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur. Siya ay manunulat ng magasing Bannawag. Nailathala ang ilan sa kaniyang mga tula sa iba’t ibang antolohiya, journal, at zines. Awtor siya ng “Dayawen”

(Librong LIRA, 2016), “Planetarium: Dandaniw” (Self Published, 2024), at “Lirikal/Naindaniwán Nga Ayát” (Aklat Ulagad, 2024). Naging writing fellow ng iba’t ibang palihan kabilang na ang 61st UP National Writers Workshop (2022), Pasnaan Writing Workshop (2019), 15th Ateneo National Writing Workshop (2017), 8th Palihang Rogelio Sicat (2015), at Palihang LIRA (2009). Nagkamit ng gantimpala ang kaniyang mga tula sa Premyong LIRA 2024 at Gawad Bienvenido Lumbera

National Literary Contest 2023. Aktibong kasapi siya ng Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA).

Ang Talaang Ginto: Makata ng Taón ay isang patimpalak sa pagsúlat ng tulâ na itinaguyod ng KWF na naglalayong pasiglahín at pataasín ang urì ng panulaang Filipino sa pamamagitan ng pagkilála sa mga batikan at baguhang talino at tinig sa sining ng tulâ.

Nathaniel M. Macariola, Pinakamahusay na Makata sa Tulang Senyas 2025

Ipagkakaloob kay Nathaniel M. Macariola ang Unang Gantimpala sa KWF Tulang Senyas 2025 para sa kaniyang tulang “Pagtanaw sa Tradisyonal at Makabagong Larong Pilipino (Looking at Traditional and Modern Filipino Games).” Makatatanggap siyá ng PHP20,000 (net), plake, at medalya.

Si Ginoong Macariola ay nagtapos nagtapos ng Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies with specialization in Multimedia Arts (2013) at nagtapos ng Master of Arts in Sign Language Education sa Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. (2024). Siyá ay isang mananaliksik, at konsultant sa pananaliksik sa Filipino Sign Language (FSL).

Siyá ay naging Filipino Sign Language Research Assistant, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde para sa dokumentasyon at pagsisinop ng mga materyales kabílang ang video at infographic para magamit sa edukasyon ng mga bingi sa lahat ng antas at nagsagawa ng mga koordinasyon ng proyekto, pagsasanay at pagtatása sa sign language linguistics, pangangalap ng datos, pag-edit ng video, at pagsasagawa ng mga oryentasyon hinggil sa Deaf Culture.

Nagwagi rin si Dennis Rhoneil C. Balan ng Ikalawang Gantimpala pára sa kaniyang tulang “Pagbabalik-tanaw: Ang Paglalakbay ng Isang Bátang Mambabasá” (Looking Back: The Journey of a Young Reader.) Siya ay makatatanggap siyá ng PHP15,000.00 (net) at plake.

Gagawaran naman si Yvette S. Apurado ng Ikatlong Gantimpala para sa kaniyang tulang “Phreatic Eruption ng Bulkang Kanlaon” (Phreatic Eruption in Mt. Kanlaon). Makatatanggap siyá ng PHP10,000.00 (net) at plake.

Ang Timpalak sa Tulang Senyas ay kauna-unahang patimpalak sa pagtula sa pasenyas na paraan. Itinaguyod ito ng KWF na naglalayong palaganapin ang FSL bilang tunay na wika, pagsulong ng Filipino Deaf culture sa pamamagitan ng panitikan, kilalanin at bigyang-puwang ang di-matatawarang kakayahan at husay ng mga kababayang Deaf, at makapag-ambag sila sa panulaang Filipino ng kanilang obra sa pamamagitan ng pasenyas na pagtula.