CITEM and CDAP renew partnership to elevate the Philippine creative industry and boost local enterprises

In a step toward strengthening the country’s creative economy, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the Communication Design Association of the Philippines (CDAP) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 5, 2026 at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls in Pasay City.

The agreement fortifies the ongoing commitment of both organizations to champion Philippine creativity and empower MSMEs to become globally competitive through strategic communication design.

CREATEPhilippines, the country’s flagship trade promotions program for creative industries, is led by CITEM, the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). CITEM consistently collaborates with industry professionals across its events. In 2025, CITEM has partnered with CDAP to execute CREATELab, a design clinic integrated into CITEM’s signature trade shows Manila FAME for the home, fashion, and lifestyle sectors, and IFEX Philippines for the food and beverage industry.

CREATELab serves as an avenue for local enterprises to kickstart their design journeys. It helps businesses realize that design is not just an aesthetic choice, but a critical driver for business growth and market expansion through establishing their digital presence, crafting effective marketing materials, or developing a compelling brand identity. Moreover, CREATELab empowers Filipino creatives, particularly those in the communication design sector, one of the priority industries of CREATEPhilippines. It showcases the value of communication design as a strategic tool for business competitiveness while bringing Filipino design interventions and creative expertise to global markets. In total, CREATE Lab conducted 273 consultations with MSMEs and has supported 46 creatives.

The MOA signing was attended by CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, Department Manager Marjo Evio, Creative Services Assistant Division Chief Katrina Ledesma-Muan, and Project Officers SJ Nacino, Vea Santos, Sofia Neri, and Mykai Paez. Meanwhile, CDAP President Dustin Carbonera, and Vice President for Membership Jeth Torres were also in attendance. 

The continued partnership symbolizes a commitment to explore new avenues by co-creating events and initiatives to expand industry engagement and collaboration, while strengthening the Philippine creative ecosystem and creating greater opportunities for Filipino creatives to thrive locally and globally.