For years, a familiar warning echoed in Filipino households whenever a child spent too much time doom-scrolling on cellphones, blamed for everything parents feared — from slipping grades to tired eyes and wasted time.

The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) now wants to change that conversation.

Not because endless scrolling deserves an endorsement, but because the device in a young person’s hand has evolved into something far more powerful than a source of entertainment.

In the digital economy, it can also become a classroom, a design studio, a programming lab and, eventually, a livelihood.

That message took center stage at the ALT+TAB Festival 2026 held at the SMX Convention Center Manila, where government officials, game developers, students and technology enthusiasts gathered to explore how gaming and digital creativity are reshaping the country’s innovation landscape.

Opening the event, DoST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said parents may need to rethink long-held assumptions about technology.

“For many, gaming is not just entertainment; it is a career, a livelihood, and a platform for innovation,” Solidum said.

“So, to all our parents and guardians out there, perhaps it is time to update the old saying, because sometimes, ‘kaka-cellphone’ and ‘kaka-computer’ can lead to skills, careers, and even thriving businesses.”

His message reflected a broader shift within government policy, where the country’s creative industries are increasingly viewed not simply as cultural pursuits but as engines of economic growth.

The two-day festival, organized by local game developer Gridlock Games Studio in partnership with the DoST, showcased how science, technology and innovation are intersecting with game development, esports, animation and other digital creative industries.

Far from treating gaming as a pastime, the government now recognizes the sector as one of its strategic research priorities under the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda 2022-2028, supporting local developers through research, capability-building and innovation programs.

Visitors moved between interactive exhibits that demonstrated how digital skills can translate into commercial opportunities.

The Esports Game Dev Lounge introduced participants to emerging technologies and digital learning platforms, while a 3D Printing and Prototyping Area demonstrated how creative concepts can become physical products.

Elsewhere, aspiring developers showcased original game concepts through the “Level Up: Esports Game Development Challenge,” allowing visitors to test locally developed prototypes and interact directly with their creators.

Innovation extended beyond gaming. The InventrePinoy OneStore Hub featured products designed by Filipino inventors, highlighting how technology-driven ideas can become marketable enterprises.

The festival also underscored another ambition: Telling Filipino stories through games.

Solidum said locally developed games offer opportunities to showcase Philippine culture, traditions and creativity to global audiences while creating new careers for artists, programmers, designers and entrepreneurs.

As the festival concluded, the DoST reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen the country’s game development and esports ecosystem.