Two Philippine cities have earned global recognition for cultural excellence, joining the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as the world marked World Cities Day 2025 on Friday.
Dumaguete City was named a Creative City of Literature, while Quezon City received the distinction in the Film category. The designations, announced by Unesco, highlight the cities’ commitment to nurturing creative industries and cultural development.
The Unesco-Philippine National Commission said these honors are “the first designations in their respective fields in the country,” marking a milestone for both local creative communities and the national cultural sector.
Quezon City shares the spotlight with Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, making them Southeast Asia’s first Creative Cities of Film. Meanwhile, Dumaguete joins Jakarta, Indonesia, as among the region’s first Creative Cities of Literature.
Both Philippine cities will now collaborate with the global network, which welcomed 58 cities this year, to strengthen cultural innovation and exchange around the world.
