The cultural and creative landscape of the Philippines is undergoing a remarkable evolution. From the cinematic boardrooms of Quezon City to the grassroots weaving communities of Palawan and the contemporary visual art spaces of Davao City, local visionaries are proving that heritage, social awareness, and policy can work hand in hand to build a resilient future.
Central to this transformation is the British Council Hybrid Creative Economy Training programme, an initiative delivered under the ASEAN-UK Advancing the Creative Economy Programme. This cross border initiative brings together regional leaders to acquire actionable, data driven frameworks and spark grassroots change.
As part of our ongoing series highlighting the real world impact of the 2026 British Council Hybrid Creative Economy Training cohorts, let us explore how four inspiring change makers from the Philippines are turning global training insights into localised community impact.
1. The Cinematic Vision Behind Quezon City
Mary Liza Diño (Quezon City Film Commission)
For Executive Director Mary Liza Diño, audiovisual storytelling is far more than entertainment, it is a primary driver of economic growth. Having previously led the national film agency of the Philippines, Liza has a proven track record of connecting Filipino filmmakers with global investors through major initiatives like the QCinema International Film Festival and the QC Screen Academy.
Empowered by a new perspective on how policy tools support sustainable economies, she is focusing her efforts on ecosystem building within the screen sector of Quezon City. Her goal is to expand collaborative spaces that bridge the gap between filmmakers, educational institutions, and international partners.
"One of the most valuable insights was the emphasis on the 'business of creation' and supporting creative entrepreneurship." Liza Diño
2. A New Economy Built on Palawan Indigenous Crafts
Gloria R. Lim (Rurungan sa Tubod Foundation Inc. & Weaving Ecosystems)
In Puerto Princesa, Gloria R. Lim works tirelessly to bring economic empowerment to rural women. Serving as the Program Development Director for the Rurungan sa Tubod Foundation Inc. and the Design and Innovations Director for Weaving Ecosystems, her commitment to grassroots development is woven into alternative livelihood programmes. Since 1999, the foundation has provided the physical and financial infrastructure needed to develop women's weaving skills in poverty stricken areas.
Leveraging specific tools from the training, Gloria is currently creating a highly targeted, evidence based action plan. This framework will capacitate local creative communities across Palawan province while strategically informing regional policy.
"I learned how to strategically build a case and create programmes that capacitate communities and inform policy." Gloria R. Lim
3. Phone Photography to Voice the Overlooked
Glenn P. Magallano (Davao Phone Photography)
Based in Davao City, contemporary visual artist and photographer Glenn P. Magallano channels his creativity into socially engaged art. As the founder of Davao Phone Photography, Glenn advocates for the use of phone cameras as primary tools for expression, using them to amplify overlooked narratives.
He supports emerging artists through workshops and exhibitions. These include P'ART, which integrates dialogue about representation and HIV awareness, and a dedicated Zero Waste Art practice that utilises discarded medical packaging. Inspired to connect creative practice with policy thinking, Glenn plans to strengthen community based platforms in Mindanao and engage with ASEAN networks to support inclusive policy discussions.
"Connecting creative practice with policy thinking provided me with new insights into how structured frameworks enable artists to thrive." Glenn P. Magallano
4. The Economics of Space and Arts Management
Daianne Moreno-Mempin (Katha Pilipinas)
Operating at the dynamic intersection of arts management, policy influence, and grassroots community building, Daianne Moreno-Mempin has spent over 15 years giving the informal sector a formal voice. As the Founder of Katha Pilipinas in Quezon City, she runs a micro creative social enterprise that manages complex, multi stakeholder programmes to connect grassroots creators with formal policy spaces.
Armed with the analytical scaffolding provided by the British Council training, Daianne is formalising ecosystem mapping for Katha Pilipinas. Her aim is to evolve the organisation's programmes into replicable, research led models that can actively inform regional investment.
"Learning from UK practitioners gave me practical frameworks to effectively position community-rooted work within larger policy systems." Daianne Moreno-Mempin
The Big Picture: Unleashing Filipino Potential
From sustainable urban film development to inclusive community art and rural economic empowerment, these four leaders embody the incredible breadth of the creative sector in the Philippines. By utilising the practical templates, policy frameworks, and regional connections forged through the British Council Hybrid Creative Economy Training programme, they are building a more inclusive and resilient creative future.