Culture and the Arts Council Ordinance OK’d

The 21st City Council during its 57th Regular Session approved the Culture and the Arts Council of Cagayan de Oro Ordinance of 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening the city’s cultural heritage and creative sector.

Ordinance No. 15527-2026 is principally authored by Vice Mayor Jocelyn “Bebot” Rodriguez, with Councilors Jonjon Rodriguez, Joyleen Balaba, and Paolo Gaane as co-authors.

Councilor Rodriguez said the measure is part of efforts to institutionalize programs that promote and preserve Cagayan de Oro’s culture, history, arts, and creative industries.

The ordinance seeks to establish a Culture and the Arts Council that will help coordinate and strengthen initiatives for cultural preservation, artistic development, cultural education, heritage conservation, and cultural tourism.

The Culture and the Arts Council’s key functions include implementing cultural and artistic programs in partnership with government agencies and private stakeholders, promoting cultural education and heritage preservation as part of local governance, and organizing an annual Creative Month Festival.

The measure was first filed in 2023 and underwent extensive review and deliberations, incorporating inputs and recommendations from invited local resource persons and stakeholders in the fields of arts and culture.

With its approval, the ordinance is expected to provide a stronger institutional framework for supporting local artists, creative industries, cultural workers, and other stakeholders while helping preserve and promote the city’s rich cultural identity. (JDO/SP)