DOT: Dumaguete, Quezon City join global roster of UNESCO Creative Cities
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday, Nov. 5, announced that Dumaguete City and Quezon City have been named to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for literature and film, respectively.
Dumaguete City and Quezon City have been named to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for literature and film, respectively, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
The designations were revealed during the celebration of World Cities Day, where 58 new cities worldwide were recognized for contributions to culture-driven development.
Dumaguete City received the title “Creative City of Literature” for its long-standing literary tradition and active community of writers and cultural institutions.
A key pillar of its creative identity is Silliman University and its National Writers Workshop, regarded as Asia’s oldest creative writing fellowship.
Quezon City, meanwhile, was named “Creative City of Film,” becoming one of the first cities in Southeast Asia to receive the designation.
It is home to major film studios, broadcasting networks, and the QCinema International Film Festival, reinforcing its role as the country’s film capital.
The latest designations raise the Philippines’ tally to five UNESCO Creative Cities, joining Baguio (Crafts and Folk Art, 2017), Cebu (Design, 2019), and Iloilo (Gastronomy, 2023).
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco welcomed the recognition, saying it affirms the country’s creative heritage and strengthens efforts to promote culture-based and sustainable tourism.
“These achievements affirm our cities’ commitment to creativity, heritage, and innovation, and open new doors for cultural exchange, tourism growth, and global collaboration,” Frasco said.