PASAY CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) honored ten cities from Western Visayas at the 2024 Lunsod Lunsad Ceremonial Awarding held on August 6, 2024 at the Philippine Trade Training Center.

The event recognized outstanding creative proposals aimed at driving socio-economic growth through local creative sectors.

The awardees from Western Visayas include Bacolod City, Bago City, Cadiz City, Iloilo City, Kabankalan City, La Carlota City, Roxas City, Sipalay City, San Carlos City, and Victorias City. These cities stood out in a nationwide competition for their innovative approaches to leveraging creative assets for economic development and cultural revitalization. As part of their award, they will receive funding and technical support from the DTI to implement their proposed projects.

The proposed projects included Bacolod City’s 2024 Bacolod Film Festival (BFF) and Bago City’s Dagyaw Lunsod Lunsad: Creative Mangrove Trail. Kabankalan City presented Arts, Beats & Eats: Kabankalan Creative Culture Camp, while La Carlota City introduced Taliambong Kag ang Mangkasanon: Empowering Local Community through Arts and Designs Skills Transfer. San Carlos City proposed the Vamos Green Creatives and Innovation Hub, and Sipalay City developed Lakbay Sipalay Creative Tours. Victorias City showcased Lunsod Lunsad Victorias in Motion, Cadiz City highlighted Cadiznon Lunsod Lunsad Year 2: Elevating Creative Excellence, Iloilo City presented Iloilo City Lunsod Lunsad Creative Gastronomy Mapping, Strategy Development and Showcase, and Roxas City developed the Lunsod Lunsad Ilawod Illustrated Children’s Book Series.

The ceremonial awarding was attended by key figures from the government and creative sectors, including Dir. Lilian G. Salonga OIC Director, DTI-Creative Industry Development Office, DTI Undersecretary Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba, DTI Communications Group Usec. Jose Edgardo G. Sunico, DTI Regional Operations Group Asec. Grace Baluyan (via online), and Hon. Lani Mercardo-Revilla, among others.

Director Lilian G. Salonga, Officer-in-Charge of the Creative Industries Development Office, expressed her excitement about the potential impact of these projects.

Meanwhile, DTI VI Regional Director Rachel N. Nufable shared her pride in the region’s achievements. “We are proud of our Western Visayas cities for their creative project proposals in the Lunsod Lunsad Project. This recognition reflects the region’s vibrant creative spirit and innovative approach to economic development. These projects will not only boost our local economies but also showcase our rich cultural heritage on a national stage. We look forward to seeing these creative initiatives transform our communities and inspire further innovation across the region.”

The DTI anticipates that the successful implementation of these projects will significantly contribute to the growth of creative industries in Western Visayas and the Philippines as a whole.

The Lunsod Lunsad project aligns with the objectives of RA 11904, also known as the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act which focuses on supporting and empowering local creative talents, promoting economic sustainability, and developing the cultural and creative landscapes of our country’s cities.  ♦

Date of release: 07 August 2024

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