Design Week Philippines 2024 celebrates Filipino creativity.

Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos courtesy of Design Week Philippines
October 23, 2024

The Philippines boasts a vibrant creative and art community, including a diverse design scene. With the mission of transcending borders and shores, Design Week Philippines 2024 showcased Filipino creativity rooted in the indigenous philosophies of each island.

Unearthing Islandness

Design Week Philippines 2024 kicked off with a week-long series of workshops, fairs, and talks themed “Unearthing Islandness,” featuring a discussion on “The State of Philippine Design.” A panel of Filipino designers, creatives, and researchers led the discussion, examining the influence of design on social issues that affect the daily lives of Filipinos across both private and public sectors, as well as in rural and urban areas.

Drawing from their extensive experience, the panelists shared insights on how the current landscape of Philippine design impacts the lives of Filipinos, their target markets, and their products.

A Catalyst for Change

Design Week Philippines not only highlighted the country’s rich culture and heritage, but also served as an advocate for social change, using design as a tool to transform the status quo.

“Design can open doors for citizens to deepen their appreciation for our heritage and culture. It is becoming a foundational tool and catalyst for social change, community development, and economic growth,” said Rhea Matute, Executive Director of the Design Center of the Philippines.

Designing the Future

Design Week aims to empower the Filipino design community to create products that go beyond the country’s borders. “By embracing our unique archipelagic sensibilities, we’re not just designing for today; we’re crafting a framework that unleashes Filipino ingenuity and cultural heritage for long-term growth, national prosperity, and global impact,” Matute emphasized.

Design Week Philippines 2024 took place from October 12 to 19 across over 15 cities in 10 regions, celebrating the festival through a diverse range of programming. With strong public support, especially from the youth, the future of design in the Philippines looks brighter than ever.