Manila, Sept. 18 -- Citing the abundance of Filipino talent in the creative industry, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque on Friday called for stronger government and private sector tie-ups to maximize the sector's potential to boost domestic growth.

In her speech during the opening of the three-day ASEAN Creative Industries Expo, organized by Malikhaing Pinoy 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Taguig City, Roque said culture and heritage are always at the heart of a nation.

This belief drives the implementation of the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Malikhaing Pinoy (Creative Filipino) initiative, she said, underscoring the need to bolster the creative sector.

"Our creative industrie...