A tale of two cities as UNESCO creatives

Quezon City and Dumaguete, two places separated by sea and tempo, now share one honor: both have been named UNESCO Creative Cities — one for film, the other for literature. The honors are not merely decorative; they recognize the depth of our nation’s creative spirit, affirm our cultural identity, and open new opportunities for sustainable development through the arts.

Quezon City, crowned a Creative City for Film, has always been the country’s cinematic heart. It’s where studios rise, where dreamers learn to frame a nation’s laughter and grief through the lenses. The city hosts Cinemalaya and QCinema and keeps alive the ghosts of stories long told on flickering screens. I remember Mayor Joy Belmonte, in one of our meetings years ago when I was with IPOPHL as Director General, talking about her dream to have Quezon City named a creative city for film.

Meanwhile, Dumaguete, the “City of Gentle People” has long been a refuge for words and wonder. From Edith Tiempo and her husband Edilberto, who founded the Silliman Writers Workshop, to the many poets and fictionists who came after, Dumaguete has been a sanctuary to those who listen to the murmur of the sea and translate it into stories. It is the kind of city that writes down its brilliance, in measured lines and soft-spoken wisdom.

Its recognition by UNESCO affirms that literature continues to flourish in communities that value reflection, empathy, and dialogue — virtues that Dumaguete has long embodied.

Together, these two designations reveal a broader truth about Filipino creativity: it thrives in diversity. From the bustling urban dynamism of Quezon City to the contemplative, coastal calm of Dumaguete, our creative energies find expression in contrasting yet complementary forms.

Film and literature — visual and verbal storytelling — are united by a common goal: to make sense of the Filipino experience and share it with the world.

Beyond prestige, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network fosters collaboration among more than 300 cities worldwide that see creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development. For Quezon City and Dumaguete, this means access to international partnerships, funding, and cultural exchange. It also encourages the integration of arts and culture into urban planning, education, tourism, and inclusive growth. These are crucial steps toward building cities that not only prosper economically but also nurture the soul of their people.

At a time when the world often measures progress in terms of technology and finance, these recognitions remind us that creativity, imagination, and culture are equally essential to nation-building. They are sources of dignity and unity, capable of bridging differences and inspiring innovation.

So yes, Filipinos should celebrate. In honoring Quezon City and Dumaguete, the world acknowledges the enduring artistry, passion, and humanity of the Filipino people. These designations remind us that our stories — told in light and sound, in verse and prose — deserve to be seen, read and remembered.

Congratulations to Mayor Joy Belmonte and the officials of Quezon City, including my friend Lisa Diño Seguerra, Executive Director of the Quezon City Film Commission, and Mayor Ipe Remollo, the officials of Dumaguete City, the DTI, and the writers, including Ian Rosales Casocot, who prepared the application for Dumaguete City.

You all made this happen! Now we have hooked the world’s attention, giving us a greater audience to express who the Filipino is and why we continue to hope.