Cebu City joins Unesco Network of Creative Cities

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Cebu City has been selected to be part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Network of Creative Cities. 

“The Network brings together cities that base their development on creativity, whether in music, arts and folk crafts, design, cinema, literature, digital arts or gastronomy,” according to Unesco.

Cebu was added to the list as Unesco celebrated World Cities’ Day on Thursday, October 31, and was recognized for its focus on design. 

According to Unesco Director General Audrey Azoulay, cities that are part of the network “make culture the pillar, not an accessory, of their strategy. This favors political and social innovation and is particularly important for the young generations,” he said. 

According to a Cebu Daily News report, Cebu submitted its bid to be part of the network in July 2019. 

Baguio was added to the Unesco network in 2017 for its focus on arts and folk craft.

Spurring the local economy

The National Economic and Development Authority said on Tuesday, November 12, Cebu City’s recognition should encourage more local governments to tap the creative industries to contribute to the growth of the local economy.  

“The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 recognizes the role of creativity in promoting Philippine culture and values for development. Having UNESCO Creative Cities in the country will significantly advance creative excellence that cultivates national pride, advances innovation, and boosts our growing creative economy,” said  NEDA Officer-in-Charge and Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie Edillon.   

The public and private sectors in Cebu City had collaborated through the Regional Development Council – led by its chairperson, the multi-awarded industrial designer, Kenneth Cobonpue – to further develop the creatives sector. 

Candidates for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network are committed to promoting sustainable development. They specialize in any of 7 fields: crafts and folk arts, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, or music. – Rappler.com