Baguio City Vies To Be First ‘Creative City’ In The Philippines

Baguio City hopes to become part of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network and be the first “creative city” in the Philippines. This comes after other cities vying for the title have been eliminated by UNESCO.

According to Department of Tourism – Cordillera Regional Director Venus Tan, their office received information about the city being shortlisted early this month. The city falls under the Crafts and Folk Arts classification of the Creative Cities Network (CCN).

Baguio City Bests Manila, Cebu, Davao And Angeles

Director Tan also shared that the department is working closely with the academe, the local government unit and the vibrant art community of Baguio to prepare for the evaluation. According to the report, UNESCO will be making the final evaluation in October.

UNESCO will announce the new members of the network by the end of October, according to the network’s official website. As of now, there is no city in the Philippines that belongs to the prestigious network. If Baguio gets chosen, it will be the 1st, and only the 5th city in Southeast Asia, along with Phuket, Thailand, Bandung, and Pakalongan in Indonesia and Singapore.

Baguio City has long been a hub for artists, especially since the establishment of the Baguio Arts Guild and the growth of local art that stems from the rich culture of the Cordilleras. Exceptional local crafts such as loom weaving and wood sculptures have also become synonymous with the city.

What It Means To Be Part Of UNESCO Creative Cities Network

According to the network’s mission statement, cities who are members of the network are cities where creativity plays an important part in its sustainable development. Among the creative fields identified by the network include Crafts and Folk Arts, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.

Creative cities must commit to participate in international cooperation among the network members as well as share best practices and knowledge and organize creative activities that involve the different sectors of society. The network was established in 2004 and now has 116 members spread across 54 countries.