ASEAN recognition to spur growth

CEBU, Philippines - “You name it, Cebu has it,” says Olivia Palala, the executive director of the office of ASEAN Affairs, aptly describing Cebu City as it was named ASEAN City of Culture by the Ministers of Culture and the Arts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (AMCA) yesterday at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Cebu’s recognition as an ASEAN City of Culture is expected to generate more opportunities for Cebu in the aspect of marketing its creative industries as well as tourism in Southeast Asia.

Palala said Cebu’s rich culture -- from the Magellan’s Cross at the heart of the city, its succulent Mangoes, dynamic hotel industry, pristine beaches, vibrant industries, and good English speaking manpower, made Cebu a perfect fit to ASEAN’s search for cities that could help promote culture to strengthen the ASEAN identity.    

Cebu City was formally declared as ASEAN City of Culture because of its creative industry and strength in performing arts and culinary arts, among others.

Back in 2008, the Philippines was declared as the first ever ASEAN Culture Capital for 2010-2011 during the 10-member summit held in Myanmar.

As the ASEAN Culture Capital, the Philippines must choose cities across the country that embody the richness and the uniqueness of the Filipino culture, of which Cebu is one.

The ASEAN City of Culture aims to strengthen the ASEAN identity and raise the profile of the ASEAN in the region and globally, to celebrate ASEAN Arts and Culture and promote the growth of the region’s creative industries, and lastly to promote people to people engagement to cultivate long-lasting friendship among the people of ASEAN.

Palala said the national committee initially thought of identifying only one city but with the country’s 138 cities in this archipelagic country, the committee decided to choose several cities to involve as many Filipinos as possible in promoting the country’s culture.

The first nine cities include Manila, Angono, Tarlac, Angeles, Batangas, Roxas, Tagbilaran, Cagayan De Oro, and Dapitan.

Cebu’s recognition as a City of Culture also comes as an appreciation of Cebu’s creative talents, one of which is world-known furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue whose masterpieces are showcased in several furniture shops around the world and are being patronized by famous personalities worldwide.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Margarita Osmeña, chairperson of the committee on tourism, local and international relations and arts and culture, said it is an honor for Cebu City to be given such distinction.

Osmeña said the accolade will be an inspiration that will fire up the entrepreneurial citizens of a community that shares the same culture and heritage moving together and making Cebu City a home that takes care of its people.

“Cebuanos are fiercely competitive but are able to work together for a common goal. This is a testament to our ‘can do’ attitude,” Osmeña said, afterwhich a video presentation was shown that showcased Cebu’s creative evolution.

Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, for his part said Cebu’s distinction as an ASEAN City of Culture is a reputation not only for the City Government but for everyone, for every Cebuano all over the country and around the globe.

The distinction also entitles Cebu to a minimal financial support from AMCA.

The proclamation was then followed by a series of events including an exhibit at SM Cebu North Wing showcasing Cebu’s finest in fashion, furniture, jewelry, and virtual arts.

Within 2011, various activities promoting the uniqueness of the ASEAN identity and culture will be held in different cities in the country to create awareness. (FREEMAN)