Cagayan de Oro Culture & Arts Council gets committee approval

THE Committee on Tourism and Sister City Relations has approved the proposed ordinance creating the Cagayan de Oro Culture and Arts Council, a landmark measure principally authored by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez and co-authored by Councilors Jonjon Rodriguez and Girlie Balaba.

Councilor Rodriguez pushed for the approval of the said ordinance, which was originally filed by VM Bebot last April 11, 2023, during the 20th City Council, but is only now being deliberated and acted upon at the committee level.

He emphasized the importance of establishing the Culture and Arts Council, underscoring that it will reinforce the city government’s mandate to protect, preserve, and promote Cagayan de Oro’s cultural heritage and creative potential.

Once enacted, the council will be tasked with formulating a comprehensive cultural development plan, integrating arts and culture into the city’s investment and development strategies, recommending budget allocations for cultural programs, and coordinating with other local government offices for the city’s application to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

“This measure is a step forward in elevating Cagayan de Oro’s presence on the global stage,” Councilor Rodriguez said, stressing that the initiative will enhance efforts to showcase the city’s unique culture, artistry, and creative achievements.

The establishment of the Culture and Arts Council positions Cagayan de Oro to follow the lead of other UNESCO-recognized Philippine cities—Baguio (Crafts & Folk Arts), Cebu (Design), and Iloilo (Gastronomy)—and to strengthen its standing as a hub of culture and creativity. (JDO/SP/Photo from Councilor Rodriguez FB page)