GDAP Explores Global Trade Opportunities for Local Industry in Courtesy Call with DTI EMB

MANILA, Philippines — Aligning private sector innovation with national export roadmaps, leadership from the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) held a formal courtesy call with Director Bianca Pearl Sykimte of the Department of Trade and Industry – Export Marketing Bureau (DTI EMB) last May 18.

The strategic meeting provided a pivotal collaborative venue for GDAP President Ria Lu to present the association’s key priority areas for the local game development ecosystem. Central to the discussion was finding actionable avenues where GDAP can leverage the dedicated support, tools, and institutional resources of the DTI.

A major focus of the dialogue was ensuring that GDAP’s organizational roadmap integrates seamlessly with the existing projects and promotional initiatives of the DTI. As the primary government arm tasked with expanding international trade and boosting the global footprint of Filipino exporters, the DTI EMB is uniquely positioned to help local studios access international markets, secure foreign trade delegations, and showcase original Filipino intellectual property (IP) on the global stage.

During the meeting, GDAP and Director Sykimte explored potential areas of cooperation, including specialized trade promotion for interactive entertainment, export capability building for indie studios, and maximizing government-backed initiatives designed to elevate the digital creative economy. By establishing a unified front, both the DTI EMB and GDAP aim to accelerate the competitive advantages of Filipino developers in an increasingly demanding global marketplace.

As global interest in the Philippine creative industries continues to rise, this collaborative alliance ensures that grassroots game developers and national economic policies are firmly playing on the same team—paving the way for sustainable, IP-driven growth worldwide.