Advancing local animation to establish Cebu as a creative hub

As part of efforts to position Cebu as a creative hub, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is working to strengthen the local animation sector, from forging partnerships with studios to grassroots education.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

During the Creative Entertainment Business Forum held last August 29 and 30 at Montebello Villa Hotel, global speakers shared insights on how their countries developed their own animation industries.

Among the speakers was Ikuko Kogiso, president of Creative Minds, the studio behind titles such as “Go Astro Boy Go!” She said local animators can learn from Japan’s animation sector without necessarily putting the country at the center of their narratives, citing their title “Fly with Yaya” as an example, which is a Malaysian educational docu-animated series that highlights Muslim-friendly tourist sites.

Kogiso noted that these localized projects could potentially generate revenue through merchandise and popup booths — similar to how successful anime series have cultivated strong fan bases.

The Philippines already hosts several notable animation studios, including Cebu-based Kuan Media Productions and Emottoons Animation Studio. Building on this, CCCI aims to further develop the industry as part of its broader push to establish Cebu as a creative hub.