Cebu chosen for British program

Cebu Province will make history in the Southeast Asia after it was chosen by the British Council for its “Creative Cities” program this year. The program is in time for the “One Visayas” expo showcasing the arts and culture not only of Cebu but other provinces in the Visayas.

The Creative Cities program is set up by the British Council offices in East Asia, China and the United Kingdom to shore up the UK’s thrust to campaign for the creative economy as driver of economic growth in the 21st century.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said that when the members of the British Council went to her office and discussed their Creative Cities program, the governor told them that they were in the wrong office as she represents the provincial government and not a city government.

But the council said will make an exception for Cebu Province.

The activity will be held in March, wherein 60 to 80 members of the British Council, including foreign businessmen, will be on the lookout for suppliers showcasing Cebu’s creativity.

Wanting the One Visayas province-members to be also highlighted, Garcia offered to have the Visayas provinces join the Creative Cebu event.

One Visayas is the coming together of Regions 6, 7 and 8 in Cebu, an activity that will strengthen relations among the Visayas islands.

“This is to show the British Council that there is more creativity all over Visayas,” Garcia said.

The One Visayas Festival will be from March 1 until March 8 while Creative Cebu will be from March 5 to 12. It will be held at the Cebu International Convention Center.

The event will feature a series of forums on dance, music, painting, sculpture, film, video, literary arts, festivals, architecture, and theater. Simultaneously, exhibits on handicrafts, food, fashion and accessories and photography, among others, will be set up.

Garcia asked the participating provinces not to confuse One Visayas and Creative Cebu which are two independent events.

One Visayas was formed last August after the meeting of Regional Development Councils 6, 7 and 8, before Creative Cebu team approached the Cebu provincial government for a possible partnership. — Garry B. Lao/BRP