DMAP launches 'intergalactic' creators programme to bridge creativity and technology

The Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP) has unveiled its Digital Young Creators (DYC) 2026 programme, broadening the initiative beyond traditional advertising talent as it seeks to bring together creatives, technologists, marketers, data specialists and content creators under a new "intergalactic" theme.

Positioning the programme as its largest and most inclusive edition yet, DMAP said this year's initiative reflects how the creative industry has evolved, with digital innovation increasingly driven by collaboration across disciplines rather than conventional agency roles.

Instead of limiting participation to art directors and copywriters, DYC 2026 is inviting a wider pool of digital professionals, including programmers, data analysts, brand marketers, clients and creators who produce content for digital platforms.

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"The industry can no longer afford to operate in isolated solar systems," said co-chair Peach Natividad. "Creativity today belongs to the techies just as much as the writers, and to the brand managers just as much as the influencers. 'Intergalactic' is about colliding these worlds to see what brilliant new stars we can form together."

Co-chair Ada Almendras-Lazaro said the programme is designed to encourage emerging talent to develop skills beyond their existing expertise.

"Through this year's programme, we are building a true collaborative universe," she said. "We want to push our young talent past their comfort zones. By introducing them to new tools, new peers, and global stages, we are expanding the very definition of what Philippine digital creativity can achieve."

The programme will be structured around three stages. Learning Launchpads will provide educational sessions led by industry practitioners and content creators, while Coaching Stations will offer mentoring and masterclasses. Participants will then compete in Competition Battlezones, where winners will earn the opportunity to represent the Philippines in international competitions.

Beyond the competition itself, DMAP is placing greater emphasis on bridging the gap between creative and technical disciplines. Organisers said one of the programme's key objectives is to help digital-native professionals strengthen their creative capabilities while equipping traditional creatives with digital skills.

To support that goal, DYC 2026 is introducing Live Connects, a content series featuring conversations between young professionals, established creative leaders and brand marketers. Rather than following a traditional interview format, participants will collaborate on live digital creative activities while discussing their perspectives, with guests set to include Dan Matutina of Plus63, Inka Magnaye of the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines, and multidisciplinary art unit Somatosonic.

The initiative is co-presented by YouTube and McDonald's and organised in partnership with SPACE at One Ayala and Investing in Women, an Australian Government initiative focused on women's economic empowerment. Additional partners include Co Studio, Sound Design, It's Happening, Blogapalooza and AnyMind.

DMAP said further programme details, including its Creatives Competition, Creators Competition and Women Creators Accelerator Programme, will be announced in the coming months.

The DYC Community Day and competition briefing is scheduled for 14 September 2026 at SPACE at One Ayala, with registration details and competition mechanics to be released ahead of the event.

DYC is DMAP's flagship talent development programme, aimed at identifying, mentoring and preparing the next generation of Philippine digital talent for international creative competitions and industry leadership.

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