Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental marked a milestone following its official designation as UNESCO Creative City of Literature in a ceremony April 17 at the National Museum of the Philippines-Dumaguete Presidencia grounds.
“As Dumaguete takes its place on the world stage, the recognition serves not only as an honor but also as a commitment to continue fostering literature, storytelling, and cultural excellence for generations to come,” said Governor Chaco Sagarbarria, who attended the event, along with city and museum officials and other guests.
He said “this is not the end of a campaign, but the beginning of a movement. From our cities to our smallest municipalities, the provincial government is dedicated to ensuring that the arts remain alive and accessible to all.”
The designation was first announced last year by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which said that “Dumaguete, with its high percentage of students, is…an artistic and cultural hub for literature and creative writing with a strong focus on education.”
Characterized as a “City of Stories”, Dumaguete prides itself on the tradition of storytelling and creative narrative that celebrates its literary heritage and melting pot of culture. It is home to pioneering literary institutions, most notably the Silliman University National Writers Workshop, established in 1962, and the annual Sandurot Festival, and has played an important role in shaping generations of writers, the designation brief said.
“This designation affirms Dumaguete’s longstanding contribution to Philippine letters and opens new opportunities for literary exchange, cultural programs, and creative development,” NMP-Dumaguete said, adding it remains committed to supporting and promoting the literary heritage of the region.
Mayor Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria formally accepted the designation on behalf of the city, from UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) secretary general Ivan Anthony Henares, as messages of support were delivered by 2nd District Rep. Ma. Isabel Sagarbarria, and Governor Sagarbarria, among others.
The evening’s highlights also included a performance by Nicky Dumapit, the Dumaguete Quartet, and a reading of “Bonsai”— the widely anthologized poem by National Artist for Literature Edith Lopez Tiempo, who founded the Silliman University National Writers Workshop, the oldest and longest-running creative writing workshop in Asia—delivered by renowned poet Myrna Peña-Reyes. Prof. Ian Rosales Casocot, Dumaguete City of Literature focal person, gave the closing remarks, the NMP-Dumaguete said. ||
