Design Week Philippines has officially kicked off its 14th year with the theme “Unearthing Islandness,” which emphasizes how Filipinos can lean on indigenous philosophies and generational knowledge to reframe sustainability, heritage, and innovation in the country’s design landscape.
Organized by the DTI-Design Center of the Philippines, the festival features an exciting array of talks, seminars, workshops, and tours from October 12 to 19, with events taking place across 15 cities in 10 regions nationwide.
“Design can open doors for citizens to deepen their appreciation for our heritage and our culture; it’s becoming a foundational tool and catalyst for social change, community development, and economic growth,” Design Center of the Philippines Executive Director Rhea Matute said.
At the opening event in Makati, a panel discussion entitled “The State of Philippine Design” brought together leading Filipino designers, creatives, and researchers who engaged in talks about the the growing influence of design thinking principles in addressing social challenges across both the public and private sectors in the Philippines.
