Philippines Hosts Immersive Creative Placemaking Workshop with British Council
In a significant step towards fostering creative urban development, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines, in collaboration with the British Council Philippines, held an in-country session of the ASEAN-UK Creative Economy (ACE) Hybrid Creative Economy Policy Training Programme. This event took place on February 12 at the First United Building in Escolta, Manila.
Program Overview
The ACE Hybrid Creative Economy Policy Training Programme, developed by the British Council in partnership with Cultural Associates Oxford, is an immersive, hybrid course designed for policymakers and professionals in the cultural and creative industries across Southeast Asia. The latest iteration of the program ran from October 15, 2024, to January 30, 2025.
Session Highlights
The session titled “Shaping Spaces: An Immersive Exploration of Creative Placemaking” provided participants with a deep dive into the principles of creative placemaking. This was achieved through a guided tour of Escolta’s revitalized creative hubs within the historic First United Building. The tour aimed to highlight how creative spaces can drive urban renewal, cultural tourism, and community development.
Speakers and Participants
The workshop featured renowned professionals in the field. Key speakers included Mr. William Chamberlain from Creative Wick, Managing Director Robby May-Sylianteng of First United Building, Mr. Julius Redillas and Ms. Shara Francisco from the 98B Collaboratory, and Mr. Jodinand Aguillon from the HUB: Make Lab. DTI-Creative Industries Development Office Director Lilian G. Salonga also delivered remarks to kick off the session.
Expert Discussions and Networking
Following the tour, the session included expert discussions and networking opportunities. Policymakers, industry stakeholders, and creative professionals gathered to exchange ideas on the role of creative hubs in designing sustainable and vibrant urban communities. The conversations stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving cultural and economic growth.
Reimagining Urban Spaces
DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group Assistant Secretary Leonila T. Baluyut highlighted the significance of such collaborations. She emphasized, “Today is more than just a discussion—it is an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and reimagine how we design and develop creative spaces that are both economically sustainable and culturally meaningful. By working together, we can create inclusive, vibrant communities that celebrate creativity and innovation.”
Alignment with DTI’s Efforts
The ACE Hybrid Creative Economy Policy Training Programme aligns with the DTI’s broader initiatives to advance creative placemaking and foster sustainable creative ecosystems. These efforts include collaborations with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the British Council Philippines.
Previous Projects
In the past year, these collaborative efforts led to several notable projects. These included the Creative Nation Summit, held from August 30 to September 1, and the Championing Creative Placemaking in Bacolod and Victorias: Dialogues and Capacity-Building Project, conducted from December 15 to 17. These initiatives aim to strengthen creative communities, boost economic growth, and establish the Philippines as a leading hub for cultural and creative development.
Conclusion
The Philippines’ commitment to leveraging creative placemaking is evident in its partnership with the British Council. By fostering collaborations between policymakers, professionals, and communities, the nation is setting the foundation for sustainable urban development that celebrates its rich cultural heritage while driving economic prosperity.
We invite you to stay updated with our coverage of these innovative initiatives and their impact on the Philippine urban landscape. Your insights and feedback are invaluable as we continue to explore and report on creative developments in the region.
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