By Analou De Vera
The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday welcomed the inclusion of Cebu City in the list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Network of Creative Cities.
(DOT / MANILA BULLETIN)
"This international recognition on the Design Category affirms the wellspring of creative talents manifested in the furniture, fashion accessories and other sectors, the latest of which is in the global transportation hub (GTH) sector, evident in the first ever Resort Airport in the world – the Mactan-Cebu International Airport," the DOT said in a statement.
The Cebu City was among the 66 cities across the world that have been included in the Creative Cities Network of UNESCO last October 30.
The tourism department lauded the "leaders, shakers and movers" of the Queen City of the South for their "significant involvement and active efforts" that led to the inclusion of Cebu City in the list.
"The DOT rallies more cities to join Cebu City and Baguio City in this prestigious UNESCO Network of Creative Cities and be considered as icons of sustainable urban development," the DOT said.
To note, Baguio City was the first to be included in the list in November 2017.
UNESCO described creative cities as "laboratories of ideas and innovative practices" that bring "a tangible contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through innovative thinking and action."
"All over the world, these cities, each in its way, make culture the pillar, not an accessory, of their strategy,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
“This favors political and social innovation and is particularly important for the young generations,” she added.
The UNESCO said that a total of 246 cities are now included in its Creative Cities Network.