Philippines Accelerates Growth in Global Animation Industry with New Initiatives

The Philippines is intensifying its efforts to capture a greater portion of the US$413 billion global animation industry, focusing on increasing exports, expanding its rapidly growing talent pool, and advancing Filipino-owned intellectual property development.

According to the Animation Council of the Philippines Inc. (Acpi), the sector generated $60 million in revenue in 2024 and employs over 7,500 professionals. This workforce is expected to more than double, reaching over 15,000 employees by 2028, with the industry’s value anticipated to grow to $141 million. Enhanced demand and government-supported trade initiatives are enabling the industry to evolve from primarily outsourcing services toward producing original content.

Central to these efforts is the upcoming Animahenasyon 2025 festival, scheduled for November 24 to 26 in Metro Manila. The event, a key indicator of the country’s animation industry progress, is reinstating signature activities such as AniSine, AniTalk, and the AniKompetisyon Awards, which has attracted over 100 entries this year.

For the first time, the festival will include AniBusiness, a business-to-business convention set for November 26 at Seda BGC. Organized by Acpi in partnership with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions’ (Citem) CreatePhilippines, this component aims to facilitate outsourcing contracts, co-production opportunities, and international collaborations.

CreatePhilippines will leverage its extensive trade network to bring both local and international buyers to the event, offering incentives and business-matching sessions. Participating delegates will also experience AniXperience, a cultural and business program featuring tours of Intramuros and visits to creative communities in La Union.

The partnership between Acpi and Citem was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed on October 13. Acpi’s executive director Daniel Enriquez and president Marlyn Montano, alongside Citem executive director Leah Pulido Ocampo, collaborated to develop initiatives aimed at positioning the Philippines as a major hub for animation.

"Filipino animators have long helped bring some of the world’s most beloved titles to life," Ocampo stated. "It’s time the local industry gains the recognition it deserves. This year’s Animahenasyon can mark the start of the next stage of our industry’s evolution."