5 Philippine creative cities team up to make UNESCO badge count

Detailed summary

Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, Dumaguete, and Quezon City hope to turn global recognition into real support for local artists, educators, and communities

UNITED. National Artist Kidlat Tahimik raises his arms during the ceremonial lighting of the fire at the opening of the 9th IBAGIW Baguio Creative Festival in November 2026. Behind him are representatives of Philippine UNESCO Creative Cities, who gathered in Baguio to strengthen cooperation in arts, culture, creative industries, and community development.

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BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Being recognized by UNESCO is one thing. Making that recognition work for artists, cultural workers, educators, and ordinary communities is another.

This was the challenge confronting representatives of the Philippines’ UNESCO Creative and Learning Cities who gathered in Baguio from November 5 to 8, and agreed to strengthen cooperation beyond the international distinctions their cities have earned.

The gathering, organized by the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) and the Baguio City government, brought together the country’s five UNESCO Creative Cities: Baguio for Crafts and Folk Art, Cebu for Design, Iloilo for Gastronomy, Quezon City for Film, and Dumaguete for Literature.

Representatives of the UNESCO Learning Cities of Balanga, Baguio, Legazpi, and Quezon City also participated, linking creative industries with education, lifelong learning, and community development.

Held alongside the ninth IBAGIW Baguio Creative Festival, the convergence was part of UNACOM’s 75th anniversary activities.

At the center of the gathering was a Pledge of Cooperation among the five Creative Cities, witnessed and supported by Learning City representatives.

The pledge commits the cities to sharing resources and expertise, pursuing joint initiatives, and promoting their creative communities nationally and internationally. It also seeks to expand opportunities for women, including access to creative spaces, leadership positions, and industry resources.

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