The Philippine Printing Technical Foundation, Inc. (PPTF) and the Printing Industries Association of the Philippines (PIAP) unite to mount one historic printing industry show. For the first time, PrintCon 2026 and Print Philippines 2026 will be held under one unified trade show, taking place on July 2–4, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
The Philippine Printing Technical Foundation, Inc. (PPTF) and the Printing Industries Association of the Philippines (PIAP) unite to mount one historic printing industry show. For the first time, PrintCon 2026 and Print Philippines 2026 will be held under one unified trade show, taking place on July 2–4, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
This landmark announcement was made during a media briefing held at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), where industry leaders, community partners, and media representatives gathered for a forward-looking discussion
PTTC Executive Director of the Global MSME Academy, Ms. Clare Mari S. Torralba, in her welcome address underscored the role of her organization in “empowering MSMEs through innovative training programs and strategic partnerships.” She warmly welcomed the gathering of the print industry leaders who attended the press briefing.
A UNIFIED VOICE, MOVING WITH PURPOSE
PPTF President Mr. Dante E. Llarena welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that “We are here today to spark conversations, strengthen our partnerships with the media, and generate the public awareness needed to truly drive our sector forward.” He added, “By combining our efforts, we are providing a stronger, more unified voice for printing professionals across the country.”
PPTF Communications & Research Chair and PrintCon 2026 Conference Chair, Ms. Leah Marie Ayeng, explained how the unified trade show will operate:
“Print Philippines will manage the exhibition floors—driving the buyers’ market, technology showcases, and B2B networking. Meanwhile, PPTF will spearhead thought leadership—driving an audience through a powerful, multi-sectoral approach made possible by our strategic partnerships with DTI, PTTC, DOST, SB Corp., National Book Development Board, and TESDA.”
She emphasized the deeper mission behind the unification:
“When a mission is this critical, our collective vision must be greater than any past animosities. What drives us today are the relationships we build and the lasting impact we can leave for generations to come. Growth without values is empty—we must move with purpose.”
THE SPARK THAT IGNITED THE IDEA
The first segment of the media briefing featured Atty. Dominador Buhain, PTTF Honorary President, Mr. Llarena, PIAP past President Mr. Dong Ybud, and PIAP PRO Mr. Tomas Carunungan III.
Atty. Buhain started off recalling how the two associations “have pursued their missions independently, believing success could be achieved in isolation despite differing goals.”
He described the direction that each organization took: “PIAP became known for its Print Philippines project, while PPTF launched PrintCon.” Elaborating, he said, “PrintCon offers structured workshops and technical training, empowering MSMEs by providing a platform to showcase innovations and gain expert advice.” Atty. Buhain continued, “Print Philippines is a trade exhibition featuring live demonstrations of presses, finishing, packaging, and digital print equipment.”
He emphasized that PIAP and PPTF are both into “creating invaluable networking opportunities among suppliers, designers, entrepreneurs, and government agencies.” He concluded that with unification, “Each brings unique expertise, but true breakthroughs happen in synergy.”
The group then traced how, in 2025, the idea of a unified exposition was first discussed over an informal coffee conversation. Separate events resulted in higher costs and underutilized resources. Both organizations agreed that synergies were left untapped and that unification was the way forward.
TECHNICAL LEARNING AND AI INTEGRATION
Segment 2 brought together Mr. Antonio T. Tanael, PPTF Immediate Past President; Ms. Ayeng; and Engr. Kyrin Christian Pango, PTTC Head of Program and Module Development.
They emphasized how the PPTF–PTTC partnership will strengthen the print industry through technical learning, business growth programs, and exposure to emerging technologies.
AI will play a central role in PrintCon 2026’s learning agenda.
“AI will not replace but accelerate work,” the panel stressed, highlighting upcoming digital and AI certificate programs.
Engr. Pango added:
“The goal is to humanize AI—with AI doing routine work. Critical human thinking cannot be replaced, but AI can help us conduct deep research and understand competitive trends.”
MORE OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD
Segment 3 welcomed Mrs. Luningning E. Regala, President of Ideal Marketing and Manufacturing, and Ms. Lory Ann Dela Cruz, AVP of Sales Administration of U-Bix Corporation.
Mrs. Regala expressed delight in seeing the long-awaited PPTF–PIAP partnership finally materialize.
Ms. Dela Cruz highlighted how the industry has evolved from machine printing to solutions-based printing, with digital capability now complementing personalization, sustainability, and adaptability.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS UNITE
Three community partners also expressed their support:
- Ms. MK Bertulfo, Founder of FHMoms
- Ms. Tippy Go, Co-Founder of Googly Gooeys
- Mr. Roq Cleo, Community Admin of Graphic Artists of the Philippines
Despite coming from different sectors—a support network, a creative studio, and a design community—all three emphasized the importance of collaboration and resource consolidation to deliver better value and operational efficiency.
COLLABORATION FORMALIZED
Two Memoranda of Understanding were ceremoniously signed:
- PPTF × PIAP
- PPTF × PTTC–Global MSME Academy
PIAP First Vice President Mr. Robert Yam expressed optimism that this long-awaited collaboration will further boost the industry’s trajectory, as he said, “The official merging of PIAP and PPTF into a unified organization is by far one of the smartest accomplishments of the Philippine printing industry in recent years.” Although he admitted that, “Integrating two corporate cultures is a challenge,” he expressed hope that, “We are just beginning, and I am very optimistic of the future.”
ANTICIPATION BUILDS
PrintCon 2026 is shaping up to be a mission-driven, future-ready, and values-centered industry movement. PrintCon 2026 Conference Chair, Ms. Leah Marie Ayeng, emphasized, this year’s PrintCon is a unified platform designed to elevate the entire ecosystem.
Attendees can expect the following:
- A unified printing ecosystem, bringing together printers, creatives, MSMEs, educators, technologists, and government agencies
- A multi-sectoral approach, strengthened by partnerships with DTI, PTTC, DOST, SB Corp, NBDB, and TESDA
- A stronger bridge between industry and education, inviting schools to shape the future workforce
- Deep integration of the design and creative communities, including Komiket, Googly Gooeys, and FHMoms
- Future-ready learning tracks, with PTTC presenting programs on AI integration, the Green Shift, and entrepreneurship
- Cutting-edge technology showcases, featuring innovations that are rewriting the rules of print
A values-driven direction, ensuring that growth is anchored on purpose, equity, and nation-building.
PrintCon 2026 will also welcome Keynote Speaker Josiah Go, whose presence reinforces the enduring credibility of print in a trust-driven economy.
Ultimately, PrintCon 2026 aims to empower MSMEs, elevate local products, strengthen creative commerce, and position the Philippine print industry for national and global recognition.
JOIN US
With less than 100 exhibitors, expect PrintCon 2026 to be more than just an unboxing of the industry’s capabilities — it will be a convergence of education, networking, business development, and knowledge-sharing.
Join us on July 2–4, 2026, and witness a truly Unified Print Industry for National and Global Recognition.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZER
Philippine Printing Technical Foundation, Inc. (PPTF)
The country’s leading institution for print education, technical training, and industry capability building.
CONTACT INFORMATION
PPTF Secretariat
Email: printcon@pptf.org
T: 8713 0902 / 8250 2381
M: 0961-749-0377
PrintCon 2026 Communications Office
Attn: Ms. Leah Marie Ayeng
PPTF Communications & Research Chair
PrintCon 2026 Conference Chair
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