
TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — On March 19, 2026, members of the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) gathered at the Huawei Technologies headquarters in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) for our highly anticipated General Membership Meeting (GMM).
The event served as both a reflection on our collective milestones and a bold look forward into the future, culminating in the election of the new GDAP Board of Officers who will steer the association for the 2026–2028 term.
Reflecting on Progress and Community Initiatives
The GMM kicked off with comprehensive updates on GDAP’s ongoing activities, flagship projects, and strategic initiatives. Members were briefed on the progress of our current programs aimed at international market access, domestic studio growth, and industry-government collaborations.
The session underscored our community’s resilience and steady growth, setting a collaborative and energized tone for the main event of the evening: electing the leaders who will guide us through the next two years of rapid technological and economic shifts in the gaming world.
Introducing the 2026–2028 GDAP Board of Officers
We are thrilled to announce our newly elected leadership team. Blending veteran industry experience with fresh, forward-thinking perspectives, these leaders are fully committed to empowering local studios, independent creators, and educational institutions.
President: Ria Lu
Vice President: John Jester Tesoro
Board Members:
Solon Chen
James Ronald Lo
Alexis-Mae Geronga
Walter Manalo
Academic Head: Norman Lee
The incoming board extends its deepest gratitude to the outgoing officers for their dedicated service, particularly in establishing strong foundational partnerships—such as our recent MOU signing with the DTI—that have set the stage for this next chapter.
Unlocking the Future: Our 5 Strategic Growth Pillars
Under the leadership of incoming President Ria Lu and the new board, GDAP has established a clear roadmap for the next two years. We aim to work closely with our partners to unlock massive growth across five key areas:
- AI-Enabled Game Services: Positioning the Philippines as a highly competitive, next-generation hub for game development, rigorous testing, and live operations.
- Indie Game Development: Fueling the creation, development, and ultimate completion of homegrown games by providing vital funding avenues and ecosystem support.
- Talent Development: Fortifying our local talent pipeline by fostering school-based studios and championing industry-aligned training programs.
- Flagship Philippine Game: Collaborating to build a globally competitive, standout title that showcases the pinnacle of Filipino creativity, culture, and technical capability.
- Investment & Partnerships: Actively bridging the gap between Philippine studios and major regional and international investors.
Save the Date: See You at PGDX 2026!
As we kick off this exciting new term, we invite all industry stakeholders, developers, gamers, and partners to witness the growth of our industry firsthand.
Join us at the Philippine Game Development Expo (PGDX) this July 24–26, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila! It’s going to be an incredible gathering dedicated to showcasing Filipino talent, fostering B2B opportunities, and celebrating our vibrant community.
Learn more and secure your slots here:www.pgdx.ph
Thank you to Huawei Technologies for hosting our community, and a massive thank you to all the members who attended, voted, and continue to drive our industry forward. Let’s level up together!