First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Friday put Filipino talent on full display, praising the wave of homegrown creativity that continues to win the world over.

“Today, we celebrate talent, passion, and creativity for Filipino artists, filmmakers, storytellers, innovators, and everyone who brings ideas to life. Your works not only inspire us but help create opportunities and livelihoods that strengthen our nation,” the First Lady said in a video message during the opening of the ASEAN Creative Industries Expo by Malikhaing Pinoy at the SMX Aura in Taguig City.

She framed the government’s support as an ongoing pledge rather than a one-off gesture.

“With the Malikhaing Pinoy program, we remain committed to supporting the Filipino creatives in showcasing their talents to the world,” she said.

Mrs. Marcos then turned the message into a call to action, urging Filipinos to rally behind local talent.

“As we celebrate Creative Month, let us support our own — one song, one story, one design. Happy Philippine Creative Month,” she said.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry headed by Secretary Cristina Roque, through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council Secretariat, the ASEAN Creative Industries Expo by Malikhaing Pinoy is the flagship event of Philippine Creative Industries Month 2026 and a regional platform for advancing creativity, innovation, enterprise, and collaboration across the creative economy.

9 creative portals

Anchored in Republic Act 11904, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, the expo brought together the country’s nine creative industry domains, along with government, industry, academe, development partners, local governments, and partners from across ASEAN.

Building on the success of the Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo 2025, ASEAN MPEx expanded the platform toward greater regional exchange, market connectivity, knowledge sharing, and creative collaboration through exhibitions, talks, demonstrations, performances, business engagements, and interactive experiences.

As part of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship 2026, the expo highlights opportunities arising from the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement supporting creative enterprises in accessing cross-border markets, platforms, and audiences.

In her speech, Roque emphasized that under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DTI is committed to providing artists and creators with the platforms needed to scale local talent into an international powerhouse.