The Bago City government, through its Local Economic Development and Investments Promotions Office and City Environment Management Office, launched its Dagyaw Lunsod Lunsad: Mangrove Creative Trail and Arts Center at the Bantayan Park in Barangay Poblacion March 17.
The launching, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry in Negros Occidental, is under the Lunsod Lunsad program, an initiative of the DTI which aims to foster socio-economic growth through the creative sector.
Bago was recognized for its innovative proposal at the ceremonial awarding last year. As an awardee, the city received P1.2 million in funding and technical support from the DTI for the project’s implementation.
Mayor Nicholas Yulo and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres led the blessing and unveiling of the city’s new attraction.
LEDIPO head Judee Lynn Lirazan said the mangrove trail is not yet open to the public as some areas are still in the process of completion.
The launch, however, provided a sneak peek of what the attraction has to offer, she added in a city press release.
For LEDIPO, the initiative aims to integrate creative arts and sustainable tourism while providing support for micro, small, and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the city.
It said that key objectives of the project include supporting the creative industry by offering training in digital arts, culinary arts, and theater; empowering MSMEs and cooperatives through skill development workshops; and enhancing the local tourism sector through the installation of artist-designed arches and promotional activities.
“The project envisions providing a dynamic platform for local artists and businesses to thrive, while simultaneously promoting environmental conservation,” the office said, adding that the expected impact of this project includes cultural enrichment, economic growth, and environmental conservation, positioning Bago as a leading destination for sustainable and culturally integrated tourism.
DTI-Negros Occidental director Lynna Cardinal congratulated the city government for its innovative proposal, adding the mangrove trail is expected to attract additional visitors.
She added that the DTI also recognizes the vital role of creative arts in the community in fostering a vibrant ecosystem of creative groups.
The second part of the program took place at the Bago City Community Center where creative performances highlighting Filipino culture were presented by dancers from Tribu Buglas, Bago City College-Akasya Performing Ensemble, and Our Lady of the Pillar Academy-Bago.
Also present during the event were ABC president Jovito Gahaton, City Environment Management officer Vicente Mesias, some punong barangays in the city, DTI-Negros Occidental personnel, LEDIPO and CEMO staff, among others. ||
