Let’s be honest—plenty of planning sessions feel like ticking a box. Time goes in, paperwork comes out, and nothing really changes. So when we gathered for the 2026 ZAMPEN Creatives Industry Assessment & Planning on March 11, 2026, via Zoom, I quietly hoped this would be different. Truly different.
The session brought together DTI ZCO Provincial Director Grace DC Aduca (representing Assistant Regional Director Maridel D. Dengal), along with regional and provincial focal persons and dedicated industry stakeholders. We didn't just talk in circles. We rolled up our virtual sleeves.
PD Aduca opened with sharp, encouraging remarks. Then we dove deep—reviewing the 2025 Creatives Industry Cluster Situation, identifying real constraints, and spotting genuine opportunities within our industry value chain. Wea C. Bohol from the PCIDC Secretariat gave an energizing presentation on Create2Connect. And crucially, we moved into action planning, presenting concrete outputs and agreements.
When I stood (virtually) to give the closing message, I spoke from the heart: collaboration isn't a buzzword. It is the only way we will strengthen and advance Zamboanga Peninsula’s creative sector.
This was not a waste of time. It was a launchpad. And I can’t wait to see what we build together.
