Dumaguete, Quezon City named UNESCO creative cities

MANILA, Philippines — Two more Philippine cities have joined the Creative Cities Network of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization after the UNESCO named Quezon City as a creative city for film and Dumaguete as creative city for literature.

Both localities were among the 58 new cities recognized by UNESCO in time for the World Cities Day 2025.

Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO director-general, said the creative cities demonstrate that culture and creative industries can be concrete drivers of development.

“By welcoming 58 new cities, we are strengthening a network where creativity supports local initiatives, attracts investments and promote social cohesion,” Azoulay said.

Three other Philippine cities have previously been recognized by the UN agency: Baguio City for crafts and folk art (2017), Cebu City for design (2019) and Iloilo City for gastronomy (2023).

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the recognition honors every filmmaker, artist and storyteller who shaped the city’s vibrant film heritage.

“From the golden era of Sampaguita Pictures and the brilliance of icons like Lino Brocka, Dolphy, Nora Aunor and Fernando Poe Jr. to the new generation of creators bringing our stories to life today – this recognition honors each and every one of them,” Belmonte said.

“This is for the workers behind the screen and the QCitizens who deserve access to quality films. Today, we celebrate a big achievement in Philippine cinema, but the work starts again tomorrow,” she added.

Liza Diño, Quezon City Film Commission executive director, said the recognition is a “culmination of years of collaboration, vision and belief in the power of storytelling to shape our collective identity.”

“This is not just a recognition of what we have achieved – it is a call to deepen our commitment to creative governance and cultural sustainability. We are ready to take on this responsibility, to open our doors to collaboration and to continue building a city where stories thrive and creativity empowers every citizen,” Diño said.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network now includes 408 cities in the fields of architecture, crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts and music.