Scholars take a class picture with the mentors, creative industry advocates, and officials during the culminating event of the Malikhaing Pinoy Online Content Creation Class Batch 2 L-R: Director Jolevs Domingo (DPSA), Director Ricky Orellana, Jr. (DPSA), Mr. Senen Dimaguila, Jr. (DPSA), ADED Jo-Dann N. Darong (DTI), Usec. Jose Javier Reyes (FDCP), AED Lilian G. Salonga (DTI), Usec. Paolo Villaluna, Director Leo Martinez (DPSA), Director Mel Bacani III (DPSA), and Director Raymond Red (DPSA)
Scholars take a class picture with the mentors, creative industry advocates, and officials during the culminating event of the Malikhaing Pinoy Online Content Creation Class Batch 2 L-R: Director Jolevs Domingo (DPSA), Director Ricky Orellana, Jr. (DPSA), Mr. Senen Dimaguila, Jr. (DPSA), ADED Jo-Dann N. Darong (DTI), Usec. Jose Javier Reyes (FDCP), AED Lilian G. Salonga (DTI), Usec. Paolo Villaluna, Director Leo Martinez (DPSA), Director Mel Bacani III (DPSA), and Director Raymond Red (DPSA)

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC) Secretariat, successfully concluded the second batch of the Malikhaing Pinoy Online Content Creation Class, with the support of the Office of Senator Imee Marcos, through a culminating event held on 11 July 2025 in Parañaque City. The ceremony recognized the 28 scholars who completed the five-day intensive training program aimed at empowering aspiring Filipino digital creators to produce compelling, ethical, and culturally grounded content.

The scholars from various cities underwent a practical training program with a comprehensive curriculum covering storytelling, cinematography, editing, content creation and strategy, as well as entrepreneurial topics such as government financing support, legal and ethical standards for using copyrighted materials, and taxation. The training was led by a powerhouse roster of mentors and industry experts, including Directors Leo Martinez, Mel Bacani III, Ricky Orellana, Jr., Raymond Red, Jolevs Domingo, alongside Mr. Senen Dimaguila, Jr., and representatives from government and creative organizations such as Acting Deputy Executive Director Jo-Dann N. Darong of the PCIDC Secretariat, Ms. Jel Directo of the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines, Atty. Exequiel D. Valerio of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, Ms. Elli May Malabayabas of the Small Business Corporation, as well as Atty. Jarica Esmail and Ms. Sealtiela Bustamante of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Opening the culminating event, Acting Executive Director Lilian G. Salonga of the PCIDC Secretariat emphasized the importance of purpose and authenticity in content creation in her special message: “In an age of algorithms and viral trends, authenticity remains your most valuable asset. Tell stories that reflect your truth, highlight Filipino values, and celebrate the richness of our culture.”

AED Salonga further reiterated DTI’s commitment to advancing the Philippine creative industries, as mandated by the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, through strategic programs. “The Malikhaing Pinoy Program is a cornerstone of our strategy to build a robust and globally competitive creative ecosystem. We are addressing long-standing challenges in the industry whether it’s limited access to data, financing, skills development, digital tools, or global platforms.” Also delivering messages of support were Undersecretary Jose Javier Reyes, Chairperson and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), and Undersecretary Paolo Villaluna, Director General of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), both affirming the government’s continued commitment to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive creative landscape. They expressed confidence in the scholars’ potential to become established content creators, sharing their hope to one day see them as colleagues in the industry.

Scholars and mentors of the Malikhaing Pinoy Online Content Creation Class Batch 2 gather for a group photo during the culminating event, joined by Usec. Jose Javier Reyes, FDCP Chairperson and CEO, Usec. Paolo Villaluna, Director General of the FAP, Acting ED Lilian G. Salonga of the PCIDC Secretariat, Acting Deputy ED Jo-Dann Darong of the PCIDC Secretariat, PCIDC Secretariat staff, and guests—celebrating a successful week of learning, creativity, and collaboration in shaping the future of Filipino digital content creation.
Scholars and mentors of the Malikhaing Pinoy Online Content Creation Class Batch 2 gather for a group photo during the culminating event, joined by Usec. Jose Javier Reyes, FDCP Chairperson and CEO, Usec. Paolo Villaluna, Director General of the FAP, Acting ED Lilian G. Salonga of the PCIDC Secretariat, Acting Deputy ED Jo-Dann Darong of the PCIDC Secretariat, PCIDC Secretariat staff, and guests—celebrating a successful week of learning, creativity, and collaboration in shaping the future of Filipino digital content creation.

During the event, the scholars’ final outputs, short-form videos inspired by Filipino salawikain (proverbs), were showcased to an audience of stakeholders from the creative industries, including representatives from government, industry, and academe. Each project reflected the unique voice and vision of its creator while reinforcing values central to Filipino culture. The event also recognized the top three (3) outstanding scholars of the batch.

The Malikhaing Pinoy Online Content Creation Class continues to serve as an initiative in building a pool of content creators who champion creativity, responsibility, and cultural integrity in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

The first batch, conducted from 3 to 7 February 2025 at 1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Filipinas, trained 23 scholars over five immersive days.

This project is part of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, a flagship initiative by the Philippine government being implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry and as the Chair of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council. It is aimed at elevating Filipino creativity and advancing creative agenda, spotlighting Filipino talent, cultural heritage, and ingenuity.

For the latest updates and upcoming training opportunities, follow the official Facebook page of the DTI Malikhaing Pinoy. ♦

Date of Release: 14 July 2025