City looking for heritage conservation volunteers

MANILA, Philippines —  The Cebu City government, through the Cebu City Youth Development Office, the Cultural and Historical Affairs Office, and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, has launched the Culture and Heritage Capacity-Building Initiative in partnership with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

The program, set to run from April to July 2026, invites youth representatives from barangays within the Cebu Heritage District to undergo training in Local Resource Mapping and Cultural Mapping.

These skills will enable participants to identify and document cultural assets in their communities and strengthen efforts to preserve Cebu City’s historical legacy.

City officials emphasized that the initiative isn’t only about safeguarding heritage but also about instilling pride and responsibility among the youth.

By engaging young leaders in cultural preservation, the city government hopes to ensure that future generations remain connected to their roots while actively contributing to community development.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City government also welcomed a proposal to strengthen the creative entertainment industry, presented to Mayor Nestor Archival by Lawrence Panganiban.

The roadmap outlines a seven-point agenda that includes establishing a Creative Entertainment District, integrating creative courses in schools, and fostering collaboration across creative sectors.

It also proposes incentive packages, intellectual property support, venture capital funding, and industry-focused promotion programs.

A Creative Industry Council is envisioned to guide the sector’s growth and coordination.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed support for the proposal, noting its alignment with broader efforts to promote innovation and collaboration.

City officials view the initiative as a way to generate economic opportunities, expand platforms for artists and entrepreneurs, and position Cebu as a hub for creativity and entertainment.