President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. lauded the Philippines’ creative design industry for its remarkable progress, stating that it is “approaching world-class” and, in some instances, even surpassing global standards. Speaking at Manila FAME 2024 on Friday, Marcos emphasized the increasing quality and global appeal of Filipino designs.
“I have watched the design community become better and better in the Philippines, approaching world-class. In many cases that I’ve seen here today, we’ve surpassed world-class,” he said, highlighting the country’s growing international competitiveness.
Marcos pointed out that the designs showcased at Manila FAME 2024 reflect a uniquely Filipino charm, characterized by humor, warmth, and creativity. He stressed the government’s ongoing efforts to promote the local design industry globally, especially in the digital space.
The President also noted the economic importance of the design sector, which contributes over 7% to the country’s GDP—translating to trillions of pesos.
Meanwhile, First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos expressed her admiration for the artisans’ creativity, describing the trade show as a “showcase of talent.” Manila FAME is Asia’s second-largest trade show for home, furnishings, and lifestyle, providing a platform for Filipino MSMEs, designers, and artisans to connect globally.